The strike was over a pay offer of just 2.2%, which would amount to a pay cut in real terms for HMCS staff, and will be followed by an agreement to work to rule.

Justices’ clerks, bench legal managers, assistant justices’ clerks and senior legal advisors took part in the one–day stoppage which resulted in the closure of magistrate courts across the country and many cases being deferred.

They joined ushers, legal clerks and administrative colleagues represented by Prospect’s sister union, the Public and Commercial Services union.

But while the smooth running of the courts suffered a blow, public safety was guaranteed by a small number of senior staff that intervened in cases that fell under agreed criteria for exceptions from the action.

Prospect National Secretary Alan Leighton said: "The widespread and responsible support for this strike demonstrates the level of anger among HMCS staff. These are the staff behind the country’s justice system, yet they are expected to put up with rough justice when it comes to pay.

"We believe the Department of Constitutional Affairs should shoulder its responsibility and rectify the failure to provide adequate funds to cover the start-up of HMCS. Unless it returns to the negotiating table with an offer that does not penalise our members, we cannot rule out further industrial action."