With inflation currently running at 0.1 per cent in the UK, the proposed salary increase of 3 per cent would well outstrip the standard 1 per cent annual increase recommended by the Treasury for public sector workers. In its evidence to the Review Body on Senior Salaries, the Ministry of Justice has contended that thicker pay packets may help combat emerging challenges with recruiting and retaining High Court judges. According to the 2015 Judicial Attitude Survey, 83 per cent of High Court judges felt that their pay and pension entitlements 'did not adequately reflect the work that they did'. Now, the MoJ has cited 'anecdotal evidence' that underwhelming remuneration is deterring judges from applying for High Court appointments. Early exits are also of concern, with a troubling number of judges under the age of 65 retiring from High Court posts each year despite rules allowing them to serve until they are 70 years of age.
Unique challenges
According to the MoJ evidence, similar challenges have not been identified at other levels of the judiciary. As such, its recommendation is that district judges in the magistrates court should receive a pay rise of only 0.55 per cent annually, while all other judges should receive the standard 1 per cent. 'We recognise the vital role carried out by all members of the judiciary but we are particularly concerned about the recruitment and retention of High Court judges. That is why we are proposing that they receive a more generous pay settlement than other judges,' said an MoJ spokesperson, also citing the 'unique service' of judges in the High Court. Sources: The Guardian; MoJ Annual Written Evidence
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