Barry Magistrates' Court: Union meets with management over staff (From Barry And District News)

Barry Magistrates' Court: Union meets with management over staff

7:20am Thursday 9th July 2009

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UNION representatives have held meetings with the managers of Barry Magistrates Court in an effort to try and keep the administrative staff operating from the Barry court.

The discussions follow last month’s shock announcement that the administrative team is to be dispersed to fill positions at other courts, as part of a cost-saving reshuffle of court staff across South Wales.

It had been suggested by management that the administration for Barry Magistrates Court could be run from Bridgend – a move that staff say would cause chaos at the court.

One staff member, who did not want to be named, said: “There was a meeting last Monday, July 5, between union reps and bosses, to try and save our jobs here.

“We have been told that we will hear the results of the discussions on July 17 and while we are all hopeful, we are very worried.

“Some staff have young kids and it would be impossible to commute – others have been here for over 20 years.

“Aside from our jobs the admin team is important to the running of the court,” the staff member added.

“We are always busy – a courier service can’t replace an on-site team.”

Court staff outside the administrative team have also registered their concern for the proposed changes.

One magistrate, who could not be named, said: “The proposals are very worrying. The administrative staff working from Barry are vital to the service of the court.

“We have a family court and it is the administrative staff who ensure it runs smoothly.

“We operate well here at the moment because we have just enough staff – but to say there is surplus is erroneous.”

Darren Williams, spokesperson for the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) confirmed that dicussions had taken place after a number of elements were identified within the proposals that PCS was unhappy with.

He said: “We would hope that management will respond constructively to the issues that are put before them.”

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