Public and Commercial Services Union

A day after the budget, which planned 25% cuts to government departments, a court closure programme was announced. This programme consisted of a consultation on the closure of 103 Magistrates Courts and 54 County Courts nation wide.

PCS is opposed to the closure of courts and has set up a campaign. We aim to defend members jobs, but also defend access to justice. Courts need to be rooted in local communities providing a service to local people. We do not agree with Ken Clarke when he says 'we all do things differently these days and travel further for shopping and other services'. Comparing access to the court service with a visit to an out of town shopping centre completely belittles the service our members provide in the court service.

The consultation period for the closure programme finishes on 15 September, PCS members should send their comments on the closure programme as soon as possible.

• View the consultation documents on the Ministry of Justice site and send in your views.
• Has your MP signed the EDM? If not, help support the campaign against the closures by sending a message to your MP.