Issues in outsourcing valuable professionalism
[…] This current situation
for most professional interpreters specialising in working for public service
organisations is completely unsatisfactory and is proving untenable. Those
public service interpreters who are registered and regulated are highly
qualified, skilled and experienced professionals. They play a vital role in
ensuring our public services run smoothly and effectively, which is of benefit
to the taxpayer. Yet, in many cases, they are being asked to work for fees
effectively lower than the minimum wage.
Unable to make ends meet, these highly qualified practitioners are being
forced to seek work outside of the public sector or leave it altogether. Linked
with the need by agencies to supply interpreters to fulfil their contracts,
this has resulted in a skills-vacuum that is being filled by those who are
unqualified, inexperienced and ill-equipped to interpret complex government,
legal and medical information in often emotionally wrought situations.
This race to the bottom has to stop. Quality has to be protected for the
sake of the public and the public purse.
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