If courts are not being used fully, why does it take 10 years for a trial to take place when two workers are killed at a construction site because of a crane collapsed asks GMB.
GMB, the union for staff managing the estate for courts and tribunals, commented on the consultation beginning on 16 July 2015 to close 91 of the 460 courts and tribunal hearing
centres across England and Wales. The consultation ends on 8 October 2015. See notes to editors for extracts from the consultation document with list of courts that are proposed to be closed.
Stuart Harrison, GMB Organiser in the West Midlands, said „The government proposals to close 91 courts and tribunals will not only affect GMB members but front of house staff, security, custody staff and escort drivers etc.
GMB members at GEO Amey for example are very concerned for their jobs, some with young families as they listen and read about the closures in newspapers and on TV.
GMB are in the process of visiting these courts to talk to members about the affect these changes will have, as far as we’re concerned no consultations have yet taken place or arrangement put in place.
GMB is calling on Michael Gove to rethink, this will not only put people out of work, but will also increase travelling time and cost for any relocations available.
If Michael Gove thinks that these courts are not being used fully, why does it take 10 years for a trial to take place when two workers are killed at a construction site because of a crane collapsed? The full hearing will not take place till September 2016 due to shortage of capacity in the courts. See notes to editors for copy of GMB press release on this.
Even by Michael Gove’s standards the proposed cuts to the justice system of 91 court closures is drastic to say the least, Security staff who are employed both in the courts and also providing services will be affected by the cuts potentially leading to job losses. This again shows that the Tory government are prepared to even compromise our safety.”
John McClean, GMB National Health and Safety officer, added “The closure of 91 courts includes 57 magistrates courts.
GMB has grave concerns that with the introduction of the new sentencing guidelines for health, safety and corporate manslaughter cases in magistrates courts that victims will be further away from justice than ever.
Where previously there was a maximum of £20,000 fines magistrates will now have the same sentencing powers as the Crown court. This was originally designed to free up crown courts to focus on more serious cases.
However combined with the perceived inexperience that many magistrates have in sentencing in these areas, as they can be financially and factually difficult complex cases, combined with the removal of so many courts GMB fears that many victims and their families will still not get the proper justice they deserve.”