Magistrates courts staff to strike

Magistrates court staff across England and Wales have voted for the first national strike in their 800-year history in a dispute over pay.

The staff, who run the courts and provide advice to magistrates, are likely to hold a 24-hour strike before Christmas.

The Public and Commercial Services union said that staff had been offered a pay rise equivalent to 2.2% – well below the rate of inflation.

Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said 51% of admin staff working in magistrates courts outside London earn less than £14,000 per year.

“Staff are no longer prepared to see their pay devalued with below inflation cost of living increases. Management need to seriously engage with the union to ensure that the important contribution of staff is recognised with fair pay,” he said.