The number of judges in England and Wales is likely to increase dramatically under a radical shake-up of the tribunals service that takes effect from today.

As many as 2,730 legally qualified tribunal chairmen or adjudicators, who sit currently on tribunals dealing in cases as diverse as child support and tax, are to swear the judicial oath and become judges – with the status and benefits that come with the office.

The move, which is part of the biggest reform to the tribunals service in 50 years, will boost the number of judges from 1,500 full-time and 2,250 part-time by another 430 full-time and 2,300 part-time.

The new full-time judges will earn the same salaries they do at present, ranging from £88,000 to £120,000.

Bridget Prentice, the Justice Minister, said: “Tribunals deal with more than 500,000 cases a year, ranging from those involving the most vulnerable in society to multinational businesses.

“It is therefore vital that the system is truly effective and serves their needs.”

The new judges will sit with lay members on panels to settle disputes over benefits, health, educational needs, taxation and housing.

In 2007-08 tribunals handled 635,000 cases and made 549,000 decisions.

Under the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, tribunals across England and Wales – and some that cover Scotland – will be brought together into a single, two-tier system providing a consistent route of appeal. Employment tribunals will remain a separate branch, although all will come under the supervision of Lord Justice Carnwath.

At present the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal is a separate branch, but ministers will announce a decision on its future soon, and it is expected to be brought within the new framework.

This move could lead to immigrants and asylum-seekers losing the right to go to the High Court for a judicial review.

Lord Justice Carnwath, a Court of Appeal judge who has been appointed the first Senior President of Tribunals, said that the day was a “very significant milestone in the reform of justice in the United Kingdom”.

He said: “I hope it will create a more coherent structure to mirror that of the courts system.

“These reforms are the most radical changes to the tribunals’ system in 50 years and will ensure tribunal users continue to experience a service that is speedy, inexpensive and accessible.”

He said he would favour the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal, appeals from which are swamping the High Court, being brought within the new framework.

He sits at the apex of the new arrangements, in charge of judges’ welfare and training, in the way that the Lord Chief Justice is responsible for judges in the courts service.

The new organisation will be grouped into “chambers” to bring together work of a similar nature: social entitlement; general regulatory; health, education and social care; taxation; land, property and housing; and finally a war pensions and Armed Forces compensation chamber.

They will come into being in two stages, the first today.

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