Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 16
16
We received evidence from the Bar Council raising concerns around the safety of court staff...
Conclusion
We received evidence from the Bar Council raising concerns around the safety of court staff during the pandemic. A recent survey they conducted showed 84% of barristers who attended court in December 2020 had concerns about their safety and wellbeing.23 We questioned the Ministry and its agencies on the impact of Covid-19 on staff sickness rates. The Ministry told us that the Covid-19 related absences rate in the court system was under 2% and that there had been few cases of transmission identified within the court system itself. HMPPS told us of the short-term challenges related to the number of staff that have been on Covid-19 related sick leave, and that 10% of its staff were currently absent. We welcomed HMPPS’ work to support staff returning to work after periods of absence caused by the pandemic.24
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
6.2 The department agrees with the Committee that its staff are at the heart of delivering a world-class justice system and that they have performed extraordinarily during the course of this pandemic to ensure the rule of law and access to justice could continue to be upheld at all times. Significant work has been undertaken across the department, working in partnership with the judiciary, legal and healthcare professionals within the NHS or Public Health England, to deliver a far-reaching programme of support throughout the various stages of the pandemic. 6.3 Supporting staff directly as well as through their line managers has been the department's primary aim for maintaining the wellbeing of a workforce who have continued to deliver its frontline services or who have adapted to deliver priority work remotely. Senior leaders have further increased their visibility to ensure staff understand the support available and focus on the individual through an extensive programme of support services, signposting and wellbeing events. 6.4 As the department moves to adapt to the Roadmap easing, it will continue to focus on how it supports its staff while continuing to deliver high quality services to those in its care and within its courts and prisons estate.