Unpopular post that will probably get abuse from Mail readers. But today as we enter lockdown and I drag my 36 week pregnant self to court (a case I can’t return which has to be in person) I want to shout out some of the forgotten key workers (which yes includes myself)

The key workers who can’t work from home and who keep the essential business of the justice system going while being told the courts are “covid secure” (they aren’t). Who did not get government grants or furlough or for some who didn’t even get paid during lock down

Who take pride in their work supporting the wrongly accused, victims of crime, the vulnerable. There is no clapping, shop discounts, food deliveries or pay rise for them (pay has been drastically cut over the last 10 years). No union to protect them or enforce their rights.

(This is not to knock the key workers who do and absolutely should have these things - big up the NHS, teachers etc and give them a pay rise not just a clap on your doorstep Boris)

There is no sick pay, holiday pay, maternity pay etc. Instead the government abuses them and treats them with contempt branding them do-gooders and activist lawyers (even when they need to call on our services)

So for everyone headed to court today - the barristers, solicitors, ushers, clerks, security, cell staff, cps, probation, jurors, interpreters. The public may not know we are key workers, the government may not respect us but we are what holds the justice system together.

I can’t give you a pay rise or public respect or make you feel safe at court. But I see you and I applaud you #Lockdown3 #keyworkers