It cost the government hundreds of millions to break probation. Now they’re refusing to fix it.
If you’re wondering how we ended up here — with overworked, underpaid staff voting on whether to walk out — look no further than Westminster.
This is a crisis made in government. A deliberate dismantling of a once gold standard public service that kept our communities safe.
From public service to political experiment
In 2014, then-Justice Secretary Chris Grayling rolled out Transforming Rehabilitation, a part-privatisation scheme that tore the probation service in two.
It handed supervision of low- and medium-risk offenders to private companies. It created chaos, hollowed out professional standards, and sparked an exodus of experienced staff. Despite warnings from unions, experts, and senior probation leaders, the government ploughed ahead.
The result?
A £500 million failure.
Widespread dysfunction.
And a system in tatters.
It took seven years to admit it had gone disastrously wrong. In 2021, the government scrapped the reforms and renationalised probation but the damage had already been done.
The betrayal didn’t end there
Before Labour came to power they promised to right the wrong that was done to probation. Staff were told their value would be recognised. That their pay and workloads would finally be addressed.
Instead, they’ve been met with more of the same: silence, excuses, and sub-inflation pay deals while dealing with early releases, high-risk cases, and fragile rehabilitation plans.
Our members aren’t just disappointed. They feel betrayed. Labour had a chance to prove it was different. So far, it’s made the same excuses as the last government, while the same damage continues.
Public safety doesn’t come cheap but neglect does
The government says there’s “no money.”
But maybe there’s just no political will to fix what politicians broke.
Probation isn’t glamorous. It doesn’t win headlines. So inevitably it’s not first in line when the government wants to make a splash. But it’s the last line of defence between dangerous people and the public.
And if staff are forced out by burnout, stress, and low pay there won’t be anyone left to step in.
This is the consequence
Napo members are being balloted on industrial action.
It’s not just about pay. It’s about betrayal.
About being treated like afterthoughts in a system they hold together with sheer determination.
The people who protect the public deserve better.
The communities they serve deserve better.
And the politicians who broke probation should be held accountable.
Probation staff are doing their part. Now Westminster must do theirs.
Napo and our members are lobbying Westminster demanding an urgent intervention to stop this crisis spiralling any further.
But we can’t do it alone.
Probation staff serve you. They keep your community safe, every single day. They work behind the scenes to prevent reoffending, rehabilitate people, and reduce harm. But they can’t do it if they’re underpaid, overwhelmed, and unsupported.
MPs have a duty to provide the resources now that prevent future tragedy.
If you believe in safer streets, don’t wait until it’s too late.
Contact your MP. Ask them why probation staff are threatening to down tools.
Ask them why those tasked with protecting your family, your neighbours, and your streets are being forced to fight just to be heard.
Write to your MP using our model letter: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/respect-probation-pay-probation
One Response
Its easy to release offenders early into the public domain again, but it’s you the probation officers who have to pick up the pieces.Good luck in your quest.