Judges urged to speak out as review probes impact of pay on recruitment

Review body asks judges and public to share views on pay and recruitment pressures

Judges across the UK have been invited to share their experiences of how pay affects judicial recruitment and the wider appeal of judicial office, as the body responsible for advising the government on remuneration launches a wide ranging call for evidence.

The Senior Salaries Review Body, which provides independent advice on pay for the judiciary and other senior public office holders, was asked last December by the then lord chancellor, Shabana Mahmood, to undertake an in depth review of the factors affecting the present judicial pay structure. The request signalled a renewed effort to understand the challenges facing recruitment, retention and morale across the courts and tribunals.

The review body has been instructed to consider a range of possible pay options aimed at addressing current recruitment difficulties. It has also been asked to examine how far remuneration shapes the attractiveness of judicial roles and whether pay differentials between fee paid and salaried judges remain justified. The review is expected to look at current levels of remuneration in the context of workloads, career expectations and the competition posed by private practice earnings.

The SSRB has now issued a formal call for evidence. In a letter sent to the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland and the Lord President of the Court of Session, the review body said it was keen to collect individual responses from judges. The questionnaire is open not only to salaried and fee paid judges but also to lawyers and members of the public who wish to comment on how pay affects the administration of justice. Judicial associations may also respond, although they will receive a modified set of questions and will be invited next month to submit more detailed written evidence.

The latest call for evidence follows a period of debate about judicial pay settlements. Earlier this year, the lord chancellor announced a 4% pay award for judges. This fell short of the 4.75% increase recommended by the review body as necessary to tackle recruitment strains and concerns about morale. In contrast, the two previous pay rounds saw judges receive 7% and 6% increases, both of which matched the review body’s recommendations in full. Total judicial remuneration for the 2024 to 2025 financial year amounted to £778m.

The review takes place against the backdrop of ongoing pressure on the courts, with some jurisdictions reporting difficulty in attracting candidates for full time or fee paid roles. Previous reports have highlighted growing concerns about the stress and workload of the judiciary, as well as the impact of heavy caseloads on wellbeing. The SSRB’s questionnaire seeks to understand whether pay is a significant factor in discouraging potential applicants or whether other issues, such as working conditions or career prospects, are more influential.

Judges responding to the questionnaire will be asked about their experiences of recruitment and retention within their jurisdictions, whether pay has been a factor in their career decisions and whether they consider the current system of remuneration to be fair and sustainable. Members of the public and legal professionals can also offer views on how judicial pay affects the ability of the courts to attract high quality candidates and maintain public confidence.

The call for evidence closes on 30 January. The review body will then analyse the responses and prepare recommendations for the government. Its final report is expected to be delivered by November 2026, after which ministers will decide whether to implement any proposed changes to the pay structure.