PROPOSED job cuts under the government’s court modernisation programme that spell the loss of thousands of jobs will be fiercely fought, civil servants’ union PCS vowed yesterday.

Briefing documents sent to senior judges earlier this week showed the reforms would mean the loss of 6,500 jobs by 2022, confirming fears stoked by the recent board appointment of Tim Parker, dubbed “the Prince of Darkness” by the GMB union over mass sackings at AA.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka pledged to fight any compulsory redundancies, saying: “Our court system is in meltdown. Courts are kept from sinking by the hard work of the dedicated staff who keep them afloat in the face of budget cuts.

“Any further cuts will make their job impossible and those seeking to access justice will suffer as a consequence.

“These changes aren’t about improving access to justice, they’re about delivering a more detached, virtual service and cutting costs.”