Change to Security Procedures at the Employment Tribunal Office, Manchester

  • 29/11/2016

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to make you aware of upcoming changes to security measures at Manchester Employment Tribunals, Alexandra House. These changes are required to ensure the building is compliant with national security standards across Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS).

From 1st December 2016, we will commence security searches. All persons entering the building will be searched by Court Security Officers. The purpose of searching individuals is to reduce the risk of weapons and other prohibited items, which could pose a threat to our staff, judiciary and users, being brought onto HMCTS premises. Court Security Officers are responsible for requesting the surrender of or seizing any article which is deemed as prohibited within HMCTS.

Searches will be conducted with the use of a hand-held wand, and any baggage being carried will also be searched. Court Security Officers will request visitors to open their baggage to display the contents, and Security Officers may request the removal of items from the bag for further inspection if they reasonably believe them to be prohibited.

Under Section 53(1)(a) of the Courts Act 2003, if any customer entering a court building refuses to be searched or have their baggage searched, then that person will be asked to leave or be removed from the court until they will submit to being searched. There are no exceptions to this.

Please be aware that these changes are likely to result in increased waiting times to enter the building, particularly at busy periods. We recommend that customers allow extra time to pass through security screening, and arrive no later than twenty minutes before their scheduled start time. I appreciate your co-operation in this, and attach a list of prohibited items for your reference.

HMCTS Prohibited Items