Civil Court Users Association (CCUA) has been informed by HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) that, following a recent ballot, some members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union who are employed by security contractor OCS intend to take four days of industrial action this month.

The action is expected to take place on Friday 22, Monday 25, Wednesday 27 and Friday 29 September 2023.

HMCTS CEO Nick Goodwin, said:

“The safety and security of court users, judicial office holders and our staff is paramount, therefore as a result of this action we expect that around 30 of our 330 courts and tribunals will be suspended on these dates.

“I want to reassure you that we are working closely with OCS through extensive contingency planning to minimise disruption and keep work moving through our courts and tribunals. To reduce delays to hearings should the strike go ahead, we’re also supporting the judicial office holders to make decisions about hearings, which may include moving hearings to alternative locations or to remote hearings where appropriate.

“We apologise for the inconvenience these strikes will cause and are grateful for your patience and support.”

A list of the affected sites will be published in the HMCTS Weekly operational summary on Friday 22 September. All other sites are expected to operate as normal during the action. The ‘find a court or tribunal’ website on GOV.UK will also have the latest information on any impacted sites.