Public sector strike closes magistrates' courts
Today's strike by public sector workers has resulted in the closure of at least eight courts.
Today's strike by public sector workers has resulted in the closure of at least eight courts.
Elsewhere lawyers have crossed picket lines and the BBC has reported that placards had seen outside the Royal Courts of Justice, though it is understood that the Leveson inquiry and trials inside the building are continuing as normal.
One criminal law solicitor tweeted this morning 'good fun crossing the picket lines today!' before adding that he did not agree with court and CPS staff striking because 'as my public sector equivalent they get paid more than me and have a pension which I don't!'
A spokesman for the courts and tribunal service said: 'We are endeavouring to maintain a service to the public in as many locations as possible.
'Efforts will focus on maintaining essential services. Routine work may be subject to delay. HM Courts & Tribunals Service regret any inconvenience that may be caused.'
The courts in England and Wales listed by HMCTS as being shut by the strike are Lancaster Youth Court, Fleetwood Magistrates Court, Leyland Magistrates Court, Lancaster Castle and Preston Sessions House (both satellite courts for Preston Crown Court), North Liverpool Community Justice Centre, Aberystwyth Magistrates Court and Welshpool Magistrates Court.
A spokesman for the CPS said it was not clear yet how many staff had joined the strike.
The Public and Commercial Services Union, which represents court and CPS staff, said this morning: 'The Criminal Records Bureau has been unofficially shut down, with no calls being answered, and no work done.
'In the Ministry of Justice there has been even better support than on 30 June. Middlesbrough Crown Court is severely disrupted as is the magistrates' court with only the remand court sitting.
'PCS reps at The Crown Prosecution Service in Manchester are reporting a 98 per cent turnout of members.'