SLAB chief executive Colin Lancaster said: “People may be turning now more than ever to solicitors, advocates and advisors to help support their rights in difficult times.

“It is in all our interests that the lawyers and advisors are supported at this time.

“Over the last few days my staff have responded by developing changes to the legal aid system to support a fundamentally different way of working in a rapidly shifting landscape.

“Lawyers are adapting and coping with seismic shifts in the operation of the justice system and the running of their businesses, all in the face of huge financial uncertainty. We want to do all we can to help.

“We have developed an initial four-point plan to help address the concerns of the profession at this time.”

See the plan here