Katy Clark, Labour MSP for West Scotland, has raised alarm about a growing crisis within Scotland’s criminal justice system, urging immediate action from the Scottish Government. This comes after the publication of the “Rough Justice” report, which highlighted the dire state of Scotland’s Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS).
The findings reveal overwhelming pressures on court staff and infrastructure, with a significant number of employees reporting unmanageable workloads and inadequate resources. Clark has now called on the Scottish Parliament to address these urgent issues before the system faces even greater strain.
The Rough Justice Report: A Snapshot of Crisis
The “Rough Justice” report, commissioned by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), paints a grim picture of the current state of Scotland’s justice system. According to the report:
- 77% of COPFS staff and 57% of SCTS staff have experienced or witnessed errors arising from excessive workloads and pressure.
- 90% of COPFS staff and 63% of SCTS staff reported that their IT infrastructure was insufficient for their needs.
- Over a third of COPFS employees described their workloads as unmanageable, a sentiment mirrored by many SCTS staff.
The report paints a picture of a system on the brink of collapse. The strain on the staff, many of whom are dealing with ever-increasing caseloads and outdated technology, is not only affecting the workers but is also contributing to delays in the delivery of justice.
Staff Wellbeing at Stake
Katy Clark, Scottish Labour’s community safety spokesperson, has expressed deep concern over the toll these pressures are taking on frontline workers.
“These are the workers who ensure our justice system functions effectively,” Clark said. “They are being pushed to the limit by outdated IT systems, inadequate staffing, and unmanageable workloads.”
The report also suggests a troubling reliance on the goodwill of the workforce, with many workers sacrificing their personal time to keep the system running. The loss of flexitime, along with challenges in recruitment and retention, has exacerbated the issue.
“It’s not just the staff’s wellbeing at risk,” Clark added. “The impact ripples out to witnesses, the accused, and families waiting for justice.” The report highlights the human cost of a justice system stretched too thin.
Calls for Immediate Government Action
Katy Clark has taken immediate steps to address the findings of the report. She has tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament, calling for urgent reforms and an investment of resources into the system. Her proposed motion includes several key points:
- IT Infrastructure Overhaul: Immediate investment in IT upgrades to replace outdated systems that are slowing down operations and increasing error rates.
- Staffing Improvements: A focus on recruitment and retention to ensure there are enough staff members to handle the rising workloads.
- Collaboration with PCS: A commitment to work closely with PCS to implement the recommendations from the report and ensure the voice of the workforce is heard in decision-making.
- Staff Wellbeing Initiatives: A focus on prioritizing the wellbeing of the workers in the justice system to ensure they can continue to perform their vital roles effectively.
“The cracks in our justice system are widening,” Clark said. “We owe it to the public and to the hardworking staff to take immediate and decisive action.”
The Impact on Justice Delays
The crisis within Scotland’s justice system is not just a matter of staff wellbeing—it is directly affecting the delivery of justice. With overburdened workers and a failing infrastructure, many cases are being delayed, leading to frustration and confusion for those involved in the legal process. Victims of crime, the accused, and families all find themselves waiting longer for justice to be served.
The strain on the system has created a backlog, with serious consequences for those seeking resolution. Clark warns that the longer the government delays addressing these issues, the more severe the delays will become, making it harder for people to have faith in the justice system.
A Call for Change
The time for action is now. Katy Clark’s call for reform has resonated not only with those working within the justice system but also with the public, who are increasingly aware of the growing crisis. The Scottish Government, COPFS, and SCTS all face pressure to act swiftly, address the workforce concerns, and invest in a justice system that is struggling under the weight of its responsibilities.
Katy Clark’s motion serves as a crucial first step in holding these bodies accountable for the current state of the system. If the Scottish Government fails to act, the consequences for Scotland’s criminal justice system—and its people—could be dire.
