An in-depth survey of salaried judges has revealed widespread concern that the job is getting harder each year.
The Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB), which recommends appropriate pay to the government for senior public service positions, suggested last year that a survey would help them prepare their 2015 report. All salaried judges in courts and non-devolved tribunals across the UK were invited to fill in a questionnaire in October 2014.
The 2014 UK Judicial Attitude Survey, carried out by University College London (UCL), found that 86% of judges who have been in post for at least five years felt working conditions are worse now than they were five years ago. The courts judiciary in England and Wales reported a greater deterioration in working conditions than UK tribunal judges, and the view was held most strongly by judges in certain posts—94% of Circuit Judges; 91% of District Judges; and 85% of Justices of Appeal.
Nearly half—46%—of courts judiciary in England and Wales said their caseload over the last year was too high, compared with 27% of UK tribunal judges.
Half of the courts judiciary rated IT equipment in courts as “poor”. Almost two-thirds (65%) of judges report low morale among court staff, and more than three-quarters describe the amount of administrative support as “poor” or “inadequate”.
The majority of judges described as “poor” or “inadequate” career progression (63%), opportunities for sitting in other jurisdictions (62%) and flexible working (59%).
However, the vast majority of judges were clearly satisfied with the challenge of the job, variety of work, and quality of training.
Almost half of all District, Circuit and Employment Judges said they would consider pursuing additional income through out of court work if this option existed. However, Justices of Appeal (16%), Upper Tribunal judges (22%) and High Court judges (27%) were notably less keen.
In a joint statement, the Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas and the Senior President of Tribunals Lord Justice Sullivan said: “The survey shows that many judges are feeling, in common with millions of other people, that their work has become harder year after year in many ways. Even though they know they are well paid compared to most people, they, like many others, have seen their pay drop in real terms.
“The survey also shows that judges do not carry out the work solely for the money. Their work is rewarding, but also demanding—confronting significant human suffering, loss and family breakdowns or untangling business transactions with livelihoods and businesses at stake. Judges are dedicated to their role, working harder and longer to keep standards high. Investment which has been promised to give judges modern IT will help.”
