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| High court judges to be given inflation-busting pay award | |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| High court judges are to receive an inflation-busting 3% pay increase next year – well above the government’s own public sector pay recommendations – taking their annual salary to £183,328. | High court judges are to receive an inflation-busting 3% pay increase next year – well above the government’s own public sector pay recommendations – taking their annual salary to £183,328. |
| The rise, proposed by the Ministry of Justice to the senior salaries review body, is said to be necessary because there are problems with recruitment and retention of senior judges. | The rise, proposed by the Ministry of Justice to the senior salaries review body, is said to be necessary because there are problems with recruitment and retention of senior judges. |
| Inflation in the UK is currently running at 0.1%. The Treasury’s policy is to fund annual increases of 1% for all public sector workers. | Inflation in the UK is currently running at 0.1%. The Treasury’s policy is to fund annual increases of 1% for all public sector workers. |
| The MoJ’s evidence to the review board has been released the day after the annual report from the lord chief justice, Lord Thomas of Cwmigiedd, to parliament said that civil justice was becoming unaffordable and that many judges felt under-appreciated for their work. | The MoJ’s evidence to the review board has been released the day after the annual report from the lord chief justice, Lord Thomas of Cwmigiedd, to parliament said that civil justice was becoming unaffordable and that many judges felt under-appreciated for their work. |
| The MoJ said district judges in the magistrates courts should receive only a 0.55% pay rise and other judges should be given 1%. | The MoJ said district judges in the magistrates courts should receive only a 0.55% pay rise and other judges should be given 1%. |
| The 3% increase for high court judges was deemed necessary because during the last round of appointments one post on the court remained unfilled while several high court judges are leaving before the age of 65 every year. | The 3% increase for high court judges was deemed necessary because during the last round of appointments one post on the court remained unfilled while several high court judges are leaving before the age of 65 every year. |
| “In addition,” the MoJ evidence said, “we have had anecdotal evidence from the judiciary that current pay levels are discouraging people from applying for high court appointments and also that some existing high court judges are considering leaving the bench early due to unsatisfactory pay and pension packages. | “In addition,” the MoJ evidence said, “we have had anecdotal evidence from the judiciary that current pay levels are discouraging people from applying for high court appointments and also that some existing high court judges are considering leaving the bench early due to unsatisfactory pay and pension packages. |
| “This is supported by the findings of last year’s judicial attitude survey, which showed worrying evidence of views amongst the higher judiciary. This showed that 83% of high court judges considered that their pay and pension entitlement did not adequately reflect the work they did.” | “This is supported by the findings of last year’s judicial attitude survey, which showed worrying evidence of views amongst the higher judiciary. This showed that 83% of high court judges considered that their pay and pension entitlement did not adequately reflect the work they did.” |
| There are normally 108 high court judges in England and Wales, who can continue working until the age of 70. No recruitment or retention problems have been identified among less senior judicial ranks, the MoJ said. | There are normally 108 high court judges in England and Wales, who can continue working until the age of 70. No recruitment or retention problems have been identified among less senior judicial ranks, the MoJ said. |
| Commenting on the recommendation, an MoJ spokesperson said: “We recognise the vital role carried out by all members of the judiciary but we are particularly concerned about the recruitment and retention of high court judges. That is why we are proposing they receive a more generous pay settlement than other judges. | Commenting on the recommendation, an MoJ spokesperson said: “We recognise the vital role carried out by all members of the judiciary but we are particularly concerned about the recruitment and retention of high court judges. That is why we are proposing they receive a more generous pay settlement than other judges. |
| “A strong, independent judiciary is essential in a modern democracy and we value greatly the role judges play in upholding the rule of law and delivering justice. | “A strong, independent judiciary is essential in a modern democracy and we value greatly the role judges play in upholding the rule of law and delivering justice. |
| “We have proposed a judicial pay rise that averages 1%, which is the same proportion available to other public sector groups. In recognition of the unique service of high court judges, we have proposed their pay is uplifted by 3% as part of this package.” | “We have proposed a judicial pay rise that averages 1%, which is the same proportion available to other public sector groups. In recognition of the unique service of high court judges, we have proposed their pay is uplifted by 3% as part of this package.” |