First-tier tribunal judges reported the highest levels of bullying experience
UK-based salaried judges and fee-paid earners have reported increased instances of bullying in 2024 compared to 2022, according to the 2024 UK Judicial Attitude Survey.
The percentage of judges reporting bullying experiences rose from 11 percent in 2022 to 14 percent in 2024. Meanwhile, 7 percent of fee-paid earners reported bullying in 2024 compared to 5 percent in 2022.
First-tier tribunal judges reported the highest levels of bullying experience, followed by county court district judges and High Court judges, the Law Society Gazette reported. Almost half of judges, both salaried and fee-paid, said their work was undermined, leaders were overbearing, and they were on the receiving end of ridiculing or demeaning language.
More than two-thirds of judges did not report the bullying on the grounds that it would either not matter, or it would impact their careers in the future.
Moreover, 39 percent of judges said they worried for their safety in court in 2024, up from 27 percent in 2022. Twenty-six percent of judges were concerned for their safety out of court in 2024 compared to 19 percent in 2022.
These results come over a year after an attack was initiated on a family judge in court.
The survey also revealed that circuit and High Court family judges experienced the highest levels of stress among judges, which typically manifested in the form of sleep disturbance, irritability, and headaches.
In the next five years, 790 salaried judges are expected to depart the judiciary. Of these 699 are planning to quit early and 91 are retiring. Judges cited workload increase, demands to work beyond their hours, and pay restrictions as reasons for quitting.
About 588 fee-paid judicial officers are thinking about applying for a salaried role.
The Gazette said that the survey findings were expected to be a topic of discussion at Lady Chief Justice Sue Carr’s appearance before the House of Lords constitution committee this week.
