The SRA proposed introducing an ‘explicit obligation’ to treat colleagues fairly and with respect, and a requirement to challenge below-standard behaviour, in its consultation, ‘Rule changes on health and wellbeing at work’, which closed last week. It would also clarify that if a solicitor is not fit to meet the obligations of a regulated professional due to health issues then they are not fit to practise, and the SRA may ‘act to address such health issues’ at any point’.
Responding, Law Society president I Stephanie Boyce said: ‘We do not believe the SRA has provided sufficient evidence to justify the introduction of additional regulatory requirements.’
Boyce said the proposals on health concerns were ‘unclear, lacking transparency’, and could see solicitors have conditions placed on their practising certificates, and be required to provide confidential medical information.
