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More England-and-Wales judges worry about safety

England-and-Wales judiciary have expressed growing concerns about their personal safety, as well as reporting bullying and high stress levels, in a report published today (25 February).

The 2024 Judicial Attitude Survey also uncovers a looming recruitment crisis as British courts tackle a record case backlog.

Attacked in court

The official sounding out of judicial views, finds that, over a year after a family judge was attacked in court, more judges are concerned about their safety than in 2022.

The number of judges with safety concerns had fallen steadily between 2016, when the question was first asked, and 2022.

However, it has shot back up to 39% voicing concerns compared with 27% in 2022, the England-and-Wales Gazette reports.

The percentage of judges concerned about safety out of court has also risen – from 19% in 2022 to 26% in 2024.

Bullying

The number of salaried judges and fee-paid earners who say they have experienced bullying has risen – from 11% and 5%, respectively, in 2022 to 14% and 7% in 2024.

The report also suggests a looming recruitment and retention crisis. Some 588 fee-paid judicial office-holders are currently considering applying for a salaried post.

However, 790 salaried judges are expected to leave the judiciary in the next five years – 699 intend to quit early and 91 will reach retirement age.

Many judges want to quit early due to the increase in their workload, further demands to work out-of-hours, and limits on their pay.