Probation workers across the country are taking to the streets at lunchtime today (19 September) in protest at the danger and folly of the Government’s decision to forge ahead and recklessly privatise the service. Members of giant union UNISON, GMB and Napo are holding their joint protest to coincide with advertisements being placed by the Ministry of Justice in OJEU – the Official Journal of the European Union – inviting private sector bids.
High on the list of likely bidders are Serco and G4S, both currently under investigation for alleged fraud in the running of previous Ministry of Justice contracts. The privatisation will axe services designed to keep communities safe, as well as introduce potentially dangerous cost cutting measures in the relentless pursuit of profit.
Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON, said:
“Probation service workers aim to protect communities by supervising the most dangerous offenders leaving prison. They also play a vital role in rehabilitating offenders so they can reintegrate into society.
“The Government’s aim is to wash its hands of any responsibility for maintaining a safe and efficient probation service. This is a risk too far and it is clear that the Government has not thought through the long-term consequences of these reckless plans.
Sharon Holder, GMB National Officer said:
“The government will privatise the local probation service at all cost; it is an ideological, politically motivated move of no benefit to UK residents. This means that some local probation services will disappear altogether as they are merged prior to privatisation.
Privatisation will axe services that keep our communities safe. It will transfer work to private companies interested only in profit. The citizens of this country could be in danger as a result. GMB will oppose this at every turn.”
The unions are committed to continuing their opposition and are appealing for public support, urging them to write letters of protest to MPs and sign the on-line Parliamentary petition at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/44403