The FDA has welcomed steps to restrict physical court hearings but more needs to be done to protect all those attending courts amidst the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The union warns tensions around COPFS pay may soon "come to a head", as the FDA's pay campaign gathers momentum.

FDA National Officer Allan Sampson responds to the announcement of the Scottish Government’s public sector pay policy.

"While we welcome the in-year budget increase, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance must ensure this comes as part of a sustained, long-term commitment to adequately resource the COPFS," says FDA President Fiona Eadie.

The Procurators Fiscal Society of the FDA union alleged Scottish ministers value their work – including dealing with child sex abuse victims and some of the country’s most violent offenders – less than that of government lawyers.

The Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee took evidence on the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), amid concerns over whether the department has the right resources to meet the increasing workloads and demands of the Service.