Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether additional administrative and support staff have been employed in the courts service during the covid-19 outbreak to ensure the safe operation of courts.

Yes, we have employed additional administrative and support staff in the courts service during the covid-19 outbreak to ensure the safe operation of courts. As at Mon 14 Dec 2020, we have employed an additional 1000 staff to assist with HMCTS recovery work across our courts and tribunal sites. Please note that the additional staff have been employed in a range of posts including administrative, court clerk, usher and marshall roles who all contribute to the safe operation of courts.