SSRB warns declining top-grade applicants could weaken future senior judicial appointments.
The UK’s independent pay review body has recommended a 3.8% salary increase for salaried judges from April 2026, while warning that falling candidate quality in lower-tier judicial recruitment poses a long-term threat to the senior bench.
In its 48th annual report, the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) said the increase was necessary to address recruitment difficulties, declining morale, and rising workloads across the judiciary. The Ministry of Justice had indicated it was funded for only a 2% rise.
However, the sharper concern emerging from the report relates to recruitment standards. The SSRB said there has been a sustained decline in the proportion of candidates receiving the highest Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) assessment grades “A” and “B” for judicial appointments below High Court level.
Instead, a growing number of successful candidates are being appointed with a “C” grade, categorised as “selectable” but not suitable for progression to the High Court. The review body described the trend as “of serious concern”, warning that a weakening pipeline at junior judicial levels could ultimately reduce the pool of candidates available for senior appointments in future years.
Under the JAC grading system, candidates are assessed during selection exercises and awarded grades ranging from “A” (outstanding) to “D” (not presently selectable). High Court candidates must achieve either an “A” or “B” grade to be appointed. The SSRB said the problem is particularly acute in Salary Group 7 positions, which include District Judges and tribunal judges.
Recent recruitment campaigns highlighted significant shortfalls and comparatively low proportions of top-grade candidates. In the 2024–25 District Judge (Civil) competition, only 39% of selected candidates achieved “A” or “B” grades, while just 51 of 100 vacancies were filled. Employment Judge recruitment campaigns also recorded substantial shortages.
By contrast, recruitment for High Court positions and fee-paid judicial roles remained strong, with applicant quality described as consistently high. Despite calls for targeted recruitment and retention payments for certain judicial roles, the SSRB opted for a uniform pay increase across all salary groups. It said broader structural reforms would instead be considered as part of its ongoing review of judicial salaries.
The report also noted continuing disparities between solicitors and barristers seeking judicial office, with solicitors applying in larger numbers but being recommended for appointment less frequently.
The government accepted only part of the SSRB’s recommendation last year, implementing a 4% increase rather than the proposed 4.75%. The watchdog warned that repeated departures from its recommendations could undermine confidence in the judicial pay review process.