Bailiffs in HMCTS - job evaluation outcome

On 11 February 2026, the employer wrote to us to explain the outcome of the job evaluation process for bailiffs. PCS has been pressing for the job to be evaluated since the 2024/25 pay talks, in which we secured allowances of £1,000 and £2,000 for bailiffs and bailiff managers respectively, in partial recognition of the under-payment of the role.

Watch our short video where MoJ group vice president, Jackie Green, explains this in more detail.

PCS wrote back to HMCTS, welcoming the confirmation that the role had been evaluated at EO grade and that this would attract the corresponding higher salary. We also acknowledged and appreciated the decision to apply back pay from 16 October 2025, the date the JEGS process concluded. This provided clarity and recognition for the work undertaken.

Regarding the outcome, we supported the clarity that this was a distinct role from all other EO roles and that bailiffs would not be compelled to move to a managerial, or in-court role, unless it was demonstrated that they had an active desire to pursue that opportunity and could demonstrate the required competencies. 

We also felt it may be wise to set out explicitly that other EOs similarly could not be moved into bailiff roles. 

Bailiff managers

We note the employer’s reference to this JEGS outcome not setting a precedent for future discussions on other matters.

While we recognise that position, we have been clear that the regrade and back pay, although positive and overdue, do not resolve the outstanding issue regarding bailiff managers.

It remains our firm view that bailiff managers must receive a consolidated allowance in recognition of the additional responsibilities placed upon them. Without a meaningful and permanent financial uplift, there is a real risk that individuals will simply decline to undertake the role.

The additional duties, accountability and operational pressures attached to the position must be properly recognised. Waiting for the wider pay talks to address the bailiff manager position will not be well received by those currently undertaking those managerial duties. They are carrying responsibility beyond their bailiff colleagues yet remain on the same rate of pay.

That disparity is difficult to justify. Let's be clear: PCS has not agreed anything re bailiff managers. We have informed HMCTS that we want further engagement to resolve this constructively, and ensure the structure is both sustainable and fair. 

The embargo

We acknowledge that bailiffs have been waiting for news on this for some time. The reason PCS has not issued any briefing to now is that discussions with the employer were embargoed, meaning we couldn’t disclose details to members. Obviously, PCS always respects embargoes. And given the sensitivity of the talks, and what was at stake, the union could not risk losing potential gains for members. We have issued these comms as soon as we were able to after the lifting of the embargo.

We will be holding members meetings at 3pm and 4:30pm on Tuesday 24 February via Teams. Given the short notice, we will arrange further meetings if appropriate.