NAT comments on Government plans to cut access to Legal Aid

Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of NAT (National AIDS Trust), comments:

‘NAT is extremely disappointed by the Justice Secretary Ken Clarke’s proposals to cut access to legal aid for individuals pursuing employment cases, including cases of workplace discrimination and unfair dismissal.  The announcement comes just six weeks after the Equality Act came into effect, which introduced new legal protections against discrimination in employment for people with disabilities, including HIV.  This appears to be a case of ‘what the Government giveth, the Government taketh away’, providing new rights and protections through legislation and then removing the means of asserting these rights. 

‘It is also concerning to see proposals to cut legal aid for advice in relation to decisions about benefits, including Disability Living Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, and Housing Benefit, as well as in certain immigration cases.  Both the benefits and immigration systems have been subject to almost constant change over a significant period of time.  For this reason, as well as the fact these areas can be vast and complex, good quality advice is essential for those who have to navigate the system.’

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Notes to the editor:

For further information please contact:
Charli Scouller
Communications Manager
NAT
020 7814 6733
press@nat.org.uk

NAT
NAT (National AIDS Trust) is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to transforming society’s response to HIV. We provide fresh thinking, expert advice and practical resources. We campaign for change.
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