The Custodial and Legal Services Industry

Scotland has its own legal system that is different from England and Wales. For instance, there is no separate probation service; youth crime and offending is dealt through the Children’s Panel.

• In Scotland, there are approximately 37,100 staff employed in the justice sector as a whole. 
• The majority of jobs are in the public sector.
• There are an increasing number of private sector firms working in the sector.
• Most solicitors work with private firms.
• The industry exists in all parts of Scotland.

The role of the custodial or justice sector is to provide a safe and low crime environment to live in. It includes the following sub-sectors and activities:

• Community justice
• Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
• Custodial care (prisons)
• Policing
• Scottish Court Service

The legal services sector provides a range of services for clients needing legal help. A solicitor is the first point of contact for clients; advocates represent clients in the courts on the instruction of solicitors.

• In the custodial sector, nearly 24,000 are with the eight Scottish Police Forces.
• There are just over 4,500 staff employed in the 15 Scottish prisons; managed by the Scottish Prison Service.
• Kilmarnock Prison is run by Premier Custodial Group, and is Scotland's only private run prison.
• Jobs in legal services are not always easy to get. (460 advocates and 9,100 solicitors in Scotland)

For a full list of jobs in custodial and legal services see below.

• This industry will appeal most to those with an interest in working with people.
• Most jobs are full time; in 2004 more than 90% of all workers were full-time.
• About 80% of both police and prison officers are male.
• In Scotland, 60% of all solicitors and 77% of all advocates are male.
• A third of the workforce is aged between 35-44 years.
• Jobs for school leavers tend to be limited as the work requires a degree of maturity.
• However, some Police forces do have cadet schemes. (Strathclyde)

• The number of jobs is expected to remain stable over the next 10 years.
• Job prospects in this industry are subject to change in the political views of the government of the day.

Find out more about where the jobs are in your area.