Response from the Ministry of Justice follows recommendations from the House of Lords Public Services Committee

The UK Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has issued a formal response to the House of Lords Public Services Committee (PSC), outlining upcoming changes to translation and interpreting services in the UK court system. The update follows a public inquiry into interpreter standards, pay, and working conditions.

According to MoJ Minister of State Sarah Sackman, 0.7% of trials in 2024 were delayed due to the lack of an interpreter. While noting that the percentage is low, the Ministry acknowledged areas for improvement and confirmed new contractual measures to be implemented in October 2026.

Measures Include Welfare Support and Quality Review

The MoJ plans to consolidate public data related to interpreting services and deepen engagement with stakeholders. New contracts will require language service suppliers to introduce welfare support for interpreters and improve the visibility of complaint processes.

The Ministry also intends to strengthen quality assessment procedures through a risk-based approach. This will involve the analysis of service data to prioritize assessments, particularly in high-sensitivity court settings.

Interpreter Qualifications to Remain Tiered

The PSC had recommended a Level 6 qualification requirement for all court interpreters. The MoJ stated it will maintain a tiered model: Level 6 qualifications will apply to “Professional” assignments, while Level 3 will remain valid for “Community” assignments such as telephone interpretation and non-evidential hearings.

The Ministry cited the need for flexibility in interpreter qualifications to meet the varying needs of the justice system.

MoJ Declines Recommendation on Minimum Pay Rates

While the PSC called for improved remuneration, including the introduction of a minimum pay rate, the MoJ stated that it does not plan to implement such a change. According to the Ministry, interpreter rates were benchmarked against other public sector departments and found to be competitive.

The MoJ confirmed that interpreters continue to be paid a minimum of two hours per assignment and noted that travel time and expenses are factored into supplier pricing. It also reaffirmed that interpreters may claim travel-related costs as part of self-employed tax reporting.

However, changes to cancellation policies will take effect in October 2026. The cancellation cut-off time will move to midnight, allowing more cases to qualify for short-notice cancellation fees. Pay will also be adjusted annually in accordance with the Consumer Price Index.

Strike Action Announced by Interpreter Group

On the same day the MoJ response was published, the UK Court Interpreter Initiative, supported by the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI), announced strike action for four days across June and July 2025.

The group issued a list of demands, including updated cancellation policies, revised travel compensation, and changes to quality assessment protocols. The MoJ has not issued further comments regarding the planned strike dates.