COURT workers made their feelings clear outside a county magistrates court, in a protest against potential job losses.
Public and Commercial Service Union (PCS) members shouted “We want justice” and “save our jobs” as they held up signs saying “Justice not for sale” to demonstrate against the proposed privatisation of court enforcement.
The proposal would put the collection and enforcement of fines into the hands of private companies and the PCS fears that could lead to the loss of 2,500 jobs nationally.
The court’s staff deal with cases from across the county, including Redditch and Bromsgrove.
About 13 workers from the court’s criminal enforcement collection centre turned out for the rally, on Thursday, November 1 in Kidderminster.
The union wants to keep control of the enforcement of fines in the hands of HM Courts and Tribunals Service, with court staff working alongside the judiciary.
Kevin Greenway, a court worker and national executive member of PCS, said: “This is one of a series of rallies at criminal enforcement centres in opposition to the Ministry of Justice’s plans.
“We’ve rallied workers at the enforcement centre because we’re fearful of the impact it will have. We don’t think this is in the public interest.”
He added staff were “up for the fight”.
The Government says it is in discussions with workers and unions over the proposals.
A HM Courts and Tribunals Service spokesman said: “The Government takes the issue of fine enforcement very seriously and is exploring options to improve the collection of fines and better serve the public and victims.
“Our preferred option it to form a commercial partnership which could help to increase the current levels of collection while reducing enforcement costs.
“We are fully committed to keeping staff informed and ensuring they are respected and treated fairly before, during and after any commercial process.”
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