SECURITY officers in courts across West Yorkshire have started their third day of strike action.

Courts affected by the four-day strike, which began on Monday, include Bradford Crown Court, Bradford & Keighley Magistrates' Court, Leeds Crown Court and Leeds Magistrates' Court. 

The Government will make contact with those affected where it has reason to believe alternative arrangements are necessary.

Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court is closed today as a result of the action and some cases are being held at the crown court instead.

A spokesperson for H M Courts & Tribunals Service said: “We are working closely with our security provider OCS to minimise disruption and ensure the safety of all court users during industrial action between them and PCS union members.

“While a number of our sites are closed, the majority of cases will be heard remotely or in nearby courts and people should continue to attend hearings as planned unless they are otherwise instructed by the court.”

The strike action comes after the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) said workers had been offered just 38p above the National Living Wage in an ongoing pay dispute. 

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “Our hard-working members, on the frontline in our courts, deserve a decent pay rise. OCS’s latest offer – just 38p above the National Living Wage – is not good enough.

“It’s insulting to offer them such a pittance during a cost-of-living crisis, especially when OCS last year made more than £4m profit.

“They should share some of that profit with the people who made them that money by working hard day in, day out.”

OCS has been contacted for comment.