A leaked Ministry of Justice warning that privatising probation in England and Wales will put the public at risk echoes the warnings from probation workers, UNISON national officer Ben Priestley warned today as staff prepared to ballot over industrial action in the new year.
Mr Priestley was reacting to a report in the The Observer that an official risk assessement gives the risk of a ‘reduction in performance’ the highest likelihood, and highlights other risks included “a drop in staff morale, tension with police and crime plans, increased risk of industrial action and loss of public confidence”.
UNISON members in probation will vote on industrial action in early January after talks over staff transfers and protections broke down at the end of November.
Mr Priestley added: “This report confirms what UNISON has been saying since the idea of privatising probation was first floated.
“And it shows that the government knows its plan puts the service and the public at risk.
“That is why it is so important that members who work in probation vote ’yes’ in the industrial action ballot in the new year and say enough is enough.
“This is an issue which affects everyone: whether you work in probation or not – please sign up to support our campaign against the sell-off.”
Observer report: Probation privatisation plans will put ‘public at higher risk’ [opens in new window]
Sign up to our campaign: Probation – keep it public and local