Service Description

A highly reliable, well-established translation service in the region, Merton Translation Service (MTS) is a business unit within the London Borough of Merton. MTS is dedicated to providing professional translating and interpreting services to all sectors of the community in order to facilitate and promote participation; cross-cultural communication, statutory requirements and access to services.   

MTS has a wide customer base including all council departments, schools, hospitals and private, voluntary and public organisations in the region as well as private individuals.  

SLA services offered

Merton Translation Service provides services in more than 100 languages / local dialects, including British Sign Language. All translators and interpreters are enhanced DBS checked and fully indemnified. Our services include:  

  • Advice and guidance – we will be happy to advise you on any matter relating to interpreting/translating. 

  • Face-to-face interpreting - our interpreters are experienced, trained professionals with excellent cross-cultural communication skills. 

  • Translations of written documents - all documents are translated by experienced professionals and are treated as confidential.  All translated material is word-processed. 

  • Alternative Formats - we offer text transcription services (i.e. transcription of information on to Braille, audio-tape, large print). We can also provide information on DVD or CD-Rom format. 

  • Conference Calls/Telephone interpreting - please note that this service is recommended for urgent cases, when there is no time for an interpreter to be physically present, or when it is more convenient for all parties concerned. 

  • Proof-reading  

SLA pricing

Merton Translation will be a pay as you go service. SLA will not apply.  

Charge for 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020 

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Interpreting – 1st hour (minimum charge) 

£40 

Interpreting – every subsequent hour 

£20 

British Sign Language (Levels VI) 

Rates vary 

Translation – first 100 English words (minimum charge) 

£24 

Translation – every extra 100 words     

£15 

Multiple translations 

Quotes upon request 

Telephone interpreting – 30 minutes (minimum charge) 

£17 

Telephone interpreting – 1 hour 

£25 

Travel time and cost (within Boroughs of Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth) 

£14 

Short Notice Booking Fee 

£20 

Admin Charge 

£20 

  

Additional charges may apply for travel and mileage claims outside the borough.  Please note that we charge by the full hour and that all prices are subject to VAT. We will be happy to offer you written quotations or specialist advice on request.   

Our rates have not changed for many years and we believe that our locally based, trained, insured and DBS checked personnel could offer you the most competitive service. 

Further details: 

Our office hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm. All other times or when all our lines are busy, you can leave a message on our answering machine and we will call you back as soon as possible.    

Please note that our interpreters will work outside office hours and weekends.  

Contact

If you require additional information please contact: 

Merton Translation Service 
Tel:  020 8545 3397 
Email:  translationservicebookings@merton.gov.uk