Claire Gilham, a district judge, who warned about courtroom dangers including death threats, violent claimants and hostage-taking, is fighting employment tribunal rulings that do not class judges as “workers”. While there she complained about the lack of appropriate courtroom accommodation, the impact on district judges’ workloads and dangers for judges and court staff. PCaW, represented by law firm Leigh Day, says that to deprive those who hold judicial office from whistleblowing protection is incompatible with human rights laws – including the right to freedom of expression without interference by public authority. “Legal protection for whistleblowing for the judiciary is crucial to ensure that they can safely raise concerns about our legal system.”The appeal court case is being heard by Lady Justice Gloster, Lord Justice Underhill and Lord Justice Singh. The employment appeal tribunal ruled that there were adequate safeguards in place to protect freedom of speech for district judges.

Source: The Guardian October 18, 2017 13:09 UTC