A win for Home Office interpreters
After increasing concern regarding Home Office interpreter’s wage cuts, it was announced on Friday the 15th of January that this decision had been reversed.
The home Office Interpreter’s wages had not been increased since 2002 but this was the first time that a cut in wages had been proposed.
The problems began when the interpreters received information on the 20th of November 2015 regarding a bleak cut to their wages. The change of pay was due to take effect from the 1st of January 2016. This change would affect those who dealt with cases such as Visas and immigration, border force and immigration enforcement.
The news caused outrage within the heart of the interpreting community. Facebook and Twitter campaigns went into full swing, spreading the story of the unwelcomed change and gaining support to cease the implied transformation. In further protest, this also caused an estimated 2,000 interpreters to stop accepting jobs from the Home Office.
It worked. On the 23rd of December further developments ensued, with the Central Interpreters Unit announcing that the change had been deferred until 1st February 2016 subject to further discussion and consultation.
Then last Friday, the CIU responded;
‘This notification is to advise you that following further internal discussions, the decision has been taken to adjourn the planned rate change at this time with a view to commissioning a fundamental review of Interpreter Services, including the Interpreter Rates of Pay within the scope of the review’
Finally stating;
‘Consequently, current Home Office Interpreter Rates of Pay remain in effect until further notice.’
The success of this case was driven by one main factor, those affected believed that their wages should not be compromised. Having the same belief between individuals created a solid, stable network.
It is hard to ignore the power of people.
Vandu Language Services is based in Lewes, Sussex and has been helping organisations overcome the language barrier since 1999. We provide interpreting, translation, bilingual advocacy and cross cultural training for when you need to communicate clearly across cultures.
