Napo’s industrial action ballot closed last week, and while the turnout fell just short of the legal threshold, the message from members who did vote was overwhelmingly in support for industrial action. An incredible 97% backed Action Short of Strike and over 90% backed Strike Action. That level of anger and determination gives us a strong foundation to build on as the campaign continues.
The HQ team and Officers have been analysing the result, drawing lessons, and inviting feedback from members who didn’t cast their vote. We also want to thank the many members who contacted their MPs during the campaign. This political pressure matters, and we will be following up on replies when Parliament returns from summer recess.
Next week, the National Executive Committee will consider a draft action plan ahead of the next ballot. Our focus is to deliver a much higher turnout and send an even louder message to the employer. In the meantime, Napo is keeping the pressure firmly on HMPPS and Government. It is unacceptable that we are still waiting for a formal pay offer, months after our claim was submitted in January. Probation staff deserve respect and they deserve a decent wage. We will not stop until we win pay justice.
3 Things You Can Do Now
- Send us MP replies – If your MP has responded to your email, forward it to info@napo.org.uk so we can follow up.
- Encourage colleagues to join – Every new member strengthens our campaign and boosts turnout for the next ballot.
- Get active locally – Contact your Napo branch to find out how you can support future action and organising efforts.
This is a live campaign, and every member has a role to play. The ballot result was just the beginning – together, we will build the pressure, raise our collective voice, and win the respect and pay that probation staff deserve.
8 responses
We need to ensure each branch checks members information is up to date as I believe e-mails and post has not reached people due to outdated information.
I believe that letters (ballots) and e-mails are not reaching members. we need branches to be proactive in updating member information.
Hi. Two of our staff members got their ballot forms too late to return (I asked them to inform NAPO). Also I believe balloting over the Summer holidays (when people are away) could be a factor.
Most staff in our office have been disappointed that the 50% was not reached.
Well I didn’t receive my ballot, I emailed NAPO the Monday of the week BEFORE the deadline and I still haven’t received my ballot paper….and this is a week AFTER the deadline. NAPO you need to sort this out, I have heard the same story from at least 6 other people in the YaTH branch. This is not good enough.
My paperwork didn’t arrive until
A few days before the deadline. I voted and returned it but its likely you would have received it on time. My address was up to date I had to request it two times for it to be resent, so not sure what happened.
I got my ballot papers the tuesday after the ballot closed!
Is it possible to undertake the next ballot via secure online voting instead of being paper based and relying on physical ballots arriving? This would no doubt increase turnout.
Hi Michael,
We really wish that we could, but current legislation around Industrial Action requires voting to be postal for the ballot to be deemed valid. This requirement is clearly designed to scupper the efforts of trade unions and their members.