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  • "A one day strike caused people to have their operations delayed significantly? What about the cuts? The basic argument is anyone who strikes is a traitor I would guess? The fire and ambulance service risk their lives too but on your argument they are both causing people suffering and yet like apparently all public sector workers drinking tea and coffee all day (I would personally love to work in this idyllic place of which you write)? False choice really. The armed services are being betrayed by the redundancies they are suffering so I'm not sure where that leaves your vote? Fact is most people in this country who are in employment work for a living, a small minority in both public AND private sectors do have endless meetings whilst the rest of us work- they're called managers and consultants. If you've worked in both the public and private sector like me, then you have a basis for your argument possibly, because the public sector of 30-40 years ago is a different animal to what it is today. But if it's the divide and conquer line that the likes of the Daily Mail preach you're following, that's just sad. This country should treat its young people well by valuing education, ensure pensioners are looked after in a decent way and not be making people who have served this country bravely, redundant. All affordable if like I said, ridiculous items like Trident are cut. Anyway, time to get a cup of tea..."
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Wheels of justice keep turning despite striking staff

Wheels of justice keep turning despite striking staff Wheels of justice keep turning despite striking staff

Criminals were being sentenced and trials conducted at Kingston Crown Court as the remaining staff attempted to keep the wheels of justice turning.

A message on the court's reception desk said it was endeavouring to ensure a normal service.

It said: "Efforts will focus on maintaining essential services however some routine work may be subject to delay."

Outside the court, clerk Maria Christophy, on a picket line for the first time in her 11 year career, feared pensions would be the start.

She said: "I'm very worried about the future."

Only one courtroom was fully closed, although the number of cases was reduced, as many ushers and clerks were on strike.

Inside one courtroom, Judge Georgina Kent told a jury: "We have a court clerk and an usher today. That is more than most courts are getting."

Magistrates' courts at Richmond, Battersea and Balham were closed, with cases only being heard at Wimbledon.

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