England: More than 500 court staff balloted over Covid concerns

The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) is balloting members in HM Courts and Tribunals Service over management’s failure to act to address serious and significant health and safety concerns.

Members at 12 courts will vote in the coming weeks on whether or not to launch a campaign of action.

The staff being balloted work at Birmingham Crown Court, Cardiff Crown Court, Highbury Magistrates Court, Isleworth Crown Court, Leeds Magistrates Court, Leicester Law Courts, Liverpool Law Courts, Manchester Crown Court, Snaresbrook Crown Court, Southwark Crown Court and Wolverhampton Combined Court.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “Court staff have been working incredibly hard in this pandemic keeping the justice system running, but they are deeply concerned for their safety.

“Management’s refusal to agree to our sensible proposals, including holding critical cases virtually and mandatory Covid testing for staff, is what has led to this ballot.

“Strike action is always a last resort. But if our members vote to walk out we will back them all the way until we reach a just and safe settlement.”

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said that “Covid-secure” measures have been implemented and stressed that “justice must continue to be delivered.”

He said: “Throughout this pandemic, the government has been clear that justice must continue to be delivered for the public, victims and defendants.

“Every building we operate meets the government’s Covid-secure guidelines, and public health experts have confirmed our arrangements remain sufficient to deal with the new strain of the virus.

“Positive test numbers are consistent with the wider community and it’s likely the vast majority contracted the virus outside courts. It is simply untrue to suggest people are at an elevated risk of infection when at a court or tribunal.”