Unite urges Ken Clarke to act as legal charity goes into administration

16 June 2010

Justice Secretary, Ken Clarke was today (Wednesday, 16 June) urged to intervene as a leading legal agency for asylum seekers with 10,000 clients on its books went into administration.

Unite, the largest union in the country, deplored the fact that Refugee and Migrant Justice (RMJ) went into administration as a result of cash flow problems created by late payments of legal aid by the Legal Services Commission (LSC).

Unite, which is recognised by RMJ which employs about 300 staff, called on Ken Clarke to sort out the cash flow problems that will hit legal aid 'to some of the most vulnerable people in the UK who have fled, in many cases, murderous tyrannies and unattractive regimes'.

Unite said that both Ken Clarke and the LSC have said 'no' to more money.

Rachael Maskell, National Officer, Community and Not for Profit Sector, said: 'Ken Clarke has a responsibility to iron out the cash flow problems that has caused this well-respected professional organisation with a fine reputation into administration.'

'Unite is writing to the Justice Secretary for an urgent meeting as legal representation of more than 10,000 vulnerable asylum seekers and victims of trafficking, including nearly 900 separated children, is now at risk.'

In her letter to the minister, Rachael Maskell said: 'The funding crisis across the Not for Profit sector is growing and we need to find sustainable solutions to these problems. RMJ is seen as an iconic organisation that has run into these difficulties due to the services it provides to some of the most disadvantaged people across our society.'

Unite has been consistent in calling for changes in the way organisations are funded by the LSC and have warned of the growing funding crisis in the civil legal aid sector. For the new government not to step in, at this stage, will be sending a clear message to some of the most disadvantaged people in our society and across the globe as many seek support as they flee from oppression.

RMJ's cash crisis has been caused by a growing proportion of its legal aid work now being paid upon completion – leaving it with a lack of funds. The problem has not been caused by spending cuts, but changes made to legal aid payments by the previous government.

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