Justice for All campaign launches

Over 1000 charities, trade unions, politicians, community groups and members of the public have already joined the campaign, including the Law Centres Federation, Kids Company, Citizens Advice and Shelter. 

Under the government’s proposals for legal aid, over half a million people will no longer get the free legal help they desperately need to defend themselves against unfair dismissal, exclusion from school and domestic slavery. The proposed cuts to advice on employment, housing, debt and welfare benefits will save just 2.5 per cent of the legal aid budget.

Jane Backhurst, Director of Campaigns, Communications and Policy at the Law Centres Federation, said:
“These are cruel cuts. Disabled children will no longer get help when they are denied an education. Low-paid workers will no longer get help when they are sacked for no reason. The vulnerable will be left defenceless against the powerful. The government must urgently rethink its plans.”

People who were recently helped by legal aid, but would be denied assistance under the proposals include:
• A boy who was severely bullied at school and refused admission to an alternative school. After getting free legal help, he was admitted to another school and is now continuing his education.
• A man who was fired from a large retail chain for making a minor mistake on the till, despite having worked there for eight years. After getting free legal help, he was reinstated in his job and is now getting on with his life.
• A woman who was kept as a domestic slave in London after her employer confiscated her passport, physically attacked her and stopped her from leaving the house. After getting free legal help, she received compensation and is now helping to campaign for an end to domestic slavery in the UK.

ENDS

For more information, visit:
http://www.justice-for-all.org.uk

Contact:
Clare Rudebeck, Communications Officer, Law Centres Federation
Direct Line: 0207 842 0723
Mobile:  07775 931 265
Email: