LABOUR MSP Katy Clark has called for action from the Scottish Government after a report highlighted serious pressures on courts and the criminal justice system.

The West Scotland politician said the Rough Justice report, commissioned by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), had uncovered a severe crisis affecting Scotland's Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS).

Ms Clark has now submitted a motion to the Scottish Parliament calling for swift action to address the issues raised.

The report’s findings paint a stark picture of a justice system in distress:

  • 77 per cent of COPFS staff and 57 per cent of SCTS staff reported witnessing or experiencing errors due to overwhelming pressures and unmanageable workloads.
  • 90 per cent of COPFS staff and 63 per cent of SCTS staff deemed their IT infrastructure unfit for purpose.
  • More than a third of COPFS employees described their workloads as unmanageable, a sentiment echoed by many SCTS staff.

MSP Katy ClarkMSP Katy Clark (Image: Contributed)

Ms Clark, Scottish Labour’s community safety spokesperson, expressed concern over the report’s findings, highlighting the immense strain on frontline staff who play a critical role in the delivery of justice in the country.

She said: "These are the workers who ensure our justice system functions effectively. They are being pushed to the limit by outdated IT systems, inadequate staffing, and unmanageable workloads.”

The report also highlights a troubling over-reliance on the goodwill of the workforce, who are reportedly dealing with escalating workloads, loss of flexitime, and increasing recruitment and retention challenges.

Ms Clark added: "When staff are overstretched, it’s not just their wellbeing at risk. The impact ripples out to witnesses, the accused, and families waiting for justice.”

She is urging the government, as well as senior management within COPFS and SCTS, to address the findings of the report.

Ms Clark’s proposed motion calls for:

  • Immediate investment in necessary IT upgrades.
  • Recruitment and retention of sufficient staff to manage workloads effectively.
  • A collaborative approach with PCS to implement the report's recommendations.
  • A commitment to prioritising staff wellbeing to ensure a sustainable and effective justice system.

“This report cannot be ignored,” she said. "The cracks in our justice system are widening, and we owe it to the public and to the hardworking staff to take immediate and decisive action.”