CONSULTATIONS are taking place today over the futures of staff at Bradford Crown Court's canteen, which is to close in October.

Concern has been expressed by the Recorder of Bradford about the closure of the canteen, which serves jurors and other members of the public, as well as lawyers and judges.

Yesterday the Unite union's regional officer Sarah Mitchell said: “The canteen is closing on 2 October and the decision appears to be as a result of budget cuts within the Ministry of Justice. We have two members working there from a staff of three or four at most.

“The firm running the canteen appears to be offering alternative employment, although a redundancy package looks like it will be on the table for those that want it.

"The first round of individual consultations are today and we will know more then. Unite will fully support its two canteen members in the days and weeks ahead.”