Speak Up, Speak Out campaign
The government has implemented its proposal to
make changes to the provision of interpretation and translation
services across the justice sector. The government stated that
waste and costs needed to be cut, but that it would do so in a way
that safeguarded quality. Now the government has signed a Framework
Agreement with a commercial agency, namely Applied Language
Solutions (ALS) for the provision of interpreters and translators
in the Criminal Justice system.
Unite is concerned that the government has chosen a single
provider, ignoring the concerns of the interpreting profession and
other professionals in Criminal Justice. The danger of this sort of
monopoly, which will be paid by the British taxpayer, will undercut
professional standards and terms and conditions across the
profession. Many professional interpreters are being forced to
consider alternative careers due to the cuts in rates for
assignments.
If interpreters are not adequately paid, the appropriately
qualified individuals will not enter the profession and people in
need will not get the service they require.
Interpreters play a vital role in the justice system in this
country as they are a voice for people who cannot speak for
themselves. If someone who cannot speak much English is the victim
of a crime, witnesses wrongdoing or is accused of it themselves,
they need to be able to put their point of view before justice can
be done. How can they do this without interpretation by someone who
knows both English and the foreign language well enough to make
sure the message is put across with all the subtleties and fine
distinctions which ensure that nothing is omitted or
misunderstood?
Non UK citizens in this country who do not speak English are not
all scroungers. Most of them work hard to provide services which
give all of us a better life-style. They are here because we need
them and they deserve to be properly treated by our justice
system. It is not right to fob them off with second-best.
Unite wants you to help save professional interpreting and
translation services by telling your MP the consequences that
outsourcing services in the public sector will bring.
Speak Up, Speak Out to take action
– what you can do
Background information:
I want to support Speak Up, Speak Out by taking action
Supporting documents
NUPIT aims:
- To support self-employed and freelance interpreters and
translators
- To campaign for clients to have access high quality
interpreting and translating services
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Unite/NUPIT online
