Call for ban on sexual relations between barristers and junior staff

Report by Labour peer Harriet Harman says systemic bullying prevalent in chambers

Sexual relations between barristers and pupils and anyone undertaking work experience in their chambers should be banned to prevent predatory abuse at the England and Wales bar, a review by the Labour peer Harriet Harman has concluded.

The report on bullying and harassment, which calls for “decisive and radical change”, comes months after Navjot “Jo” Sidhu KC was disbarred for sexual misconduct towards an aspiring female lawyer. Harman, also a former deputy Labour leader, said the case highlighted “the systemic issues facing the bar with regard to sexual misconduct”.