Qualified interpreters "grossly overpaid" and "taking advantage of the system?" Empty words with no evidence
The new contract gives the appearance of savings in the department. Maybe. But it has nothing to do with the interests of justice.
Back in February or March, Crispin Blunt MP, then a Minister in the Ministry of Justice reportedly accused interpreters of being ‘grossly overpaid’ and ‘taking advantage of the system”. This, apparently, is what had created the need to outsource the court contract. He went on to refer to “six-figure salaries”.
Most interpreters don’t earn this kind of money. But why shouldn’t they? They are highly skilled and experienced professionals. Many lawyers and accountants do (and at the high end) and nobody thinks that’s unusual.
What Blunt’s comments indicated was this: that he had no respect for or understanding of the degree of care and dedication that many interpreters (and translators) apply to their work. He was a Justice Minister and was therefore speaking for the government.
