4% isn’t respect it’s a wake-up call

The ballot emails are landing. The decision is in members’ hands. And the message from Napo is clear that this vote really matters.

In a recent podcast discussion, Ian and Ben laid out exactly what this indicative ballot means, why the offer falls short, and why this moment could shape the next stage of the campaign.

This isn’t just a vote about pay. It’s about value, respect, and the future of probation.

What this ballot really is

This is not a vote on industrial action. It’s a democratic test of members’ views on the 2025–2026 pay offer and a chance to speak collectively.

As Ian explained, this is a different kind of ballot: “This is what is known as an indicative ballot, which means we have full control of the ballot and the question… It differs from a statutory ballot… governed by law.”

Because it is indicative, members can vote electronically and quickly removing legal barriers that often suppress turnout.

Ben added: “This ballot isn’t governed by Tory anti-trade union laws, which makes it much easier for members to have their voice heard.”

Simple. Direct. Democratic.

Why the PNC recommended members reject the offer

The Probation Negotiating Committee voted unanimously to recommend rejection, and it wasn’t a decision they took lightly.

After more than a year of delay, the employer returned with a 4% offer. For Napo, it simply didn’t reflect reality.

Ben was blunt: “Fundamentally, this offer was felt to be an insult… it did not in any way reflect the very reasonable case that we submitted… a twelve percent pay increase… recognising how far behind we’ve fallen.”

Years of pay erosion, rising workloads, and constant praise without proper reward have pushed probation staff to the limit.

“We hear ministers say we are ‘hidden heroes’… but to receive a pay offer like that… just doesn’t reflect the huge amount of work probation staff are doing.”

“At least it’s something” or is it?

Some members may feel any increase is better than none. But both Ian and Ben urged members to look deeper.

Ian warned: “Once you take off tax, national insurance and other deductions… it’s not a good offer… Taking the offer now would mean we wouldn’t make any more progress in future negotiations.”

Ben was even more direct: “Is that all you feel you’re worth?… You are worth so much more than that… If you don’t think it is, stand up collectively and vote.”

This is about long-term value, not short-term relief.

Clearing up the rumours

There has been speculation, pressure, and confusion around the offer. Napo is pushing back.

Ian said: “There are all sorts of rumours going around… We believe comments made in staff calls are effectively an attempt to coerce members into voting for a shabby offer and we will challenge that vigorously.”

Ben reinforced where responsibility lies: “Any delay is absolutely no responsibility of the trade union. We did everything we could to push for a pay offer.”

What happens next

The outcome matters for negotiations, for leverage, and potentially for escalation.

Ian made the stakes clear: “If members accept, it will weaken our position… If rejected, we return to discussions and decide the next steps. Our message is clear: stand with Napo and reject this offer.”

Ben added: “One option… if the offer is rejected, is to begin consideration of an industrial action ballot… We are definitely considering all options available.”

Your vote matters

Turnout is everything. Mandate is power.

Ben said: “It is absolutely vital that every single member votes… If you’re sitting on the fence, ask questions, attend meetings, but before the ballot closes, you must make a decision.”

Ian closed with a challenge: “Abstaining doesn’t take us forward… We need to make a stand.”

This ballot is your voice.
Your value.
Your future.

Vote.

If you need more information about the pay offer, or what to do if you haven’t received your ballot email, visit the campaign page for more info