Translation deal speaks our language

BOSSES at Saddleworth-based Applied Language Solutions say their translation contract with the Ministry of Justice will improve standards and quality.

A director at the firm, based in Delph, says the company is introducing further tests for 1,000 interpreters on the books and will save millions of pounds in taxpayers’ money.

He defended the company’s government contract, due to come into effect in November, after an MP hit out at the changes.

Withington MP John Leech argued mistakes would be made when under-qualified interpreters are used and additional costs will be incurred when there is a lack of interpreters available. But Richard Loyer, public service director at the company, robustly defended the claims.

He said: “To say we would be employing a low standard of translator is absurd.

“We’ll be bringing in a qualification with the help of Middlesex University to standardise quality and introduce a tiered system based on experience and capabilities.”

Interpreters will receive a slight cut in their hourly rate, but company bosses say they will have the potential to earn more money by being called to several jobs in a small geographical area.

Mr Loyer slammed the current system of interpreters being paid three hours’ wage, even if the job has only required them to work for half an hour.

Under the new contract this will be reduced to one hour and will allow justice organisations to make bookings that will automatically locate the nearest available translator. It’s a move estimated to save the Government £18million.

Mr Loyer added: “The current system is incredibly inefficient. You have the ridiculous system where officers will open the list and start phoning around at a police station, while at a court five minutes away they are booking a different interpreter.

“It’s all done on a freelance basis, meaning taxpayers have no idea what their money is being spent on.

“We’re very pleased and humbled to have this contract and we have been able to employ 22 members of staff in Oldham.”