Probation officers have warned that privatising much of their service will put North East families at risk.
Members of the union Napo yesterday walked out over what they said are “dangerous” plans to place the rehabilitation of “low and medium risk” criminals into the hands of private companies.
While elsewhere solicitors once again picketed courts over separate proposed cuts to legal aid.
“What we’re looking at is the result of an ideological drive to sell off public services to private companies,” said Napo’s Northumbria branch chairman Shirley Anderson, who has worked for the service since 1992 and been a qualified probation officer for 12 years.In the North East we have the top probation trust in the country, but that’s not making a difference. The public don’t understand that this will compromise their safety. These people are not low risk.”
More than 60% of the Probation Service could be placed into private hands if the Government’s plans go ahead.
And Shirley said she feared that once the companies who take the service over began to try and turn a profit much of the experience they inherit will be lost as the firms look to cut more expensive, experience and qualified probation officers for cheaper alternatives. To back its proposals the Ministry of Justice will today release figures on the number of criminals who go on to re-offend, saying that in Northumbria 1,246 offenders had 50 or more previous convictions.
Isn't it great how gov pump out stand alone stats with no effort to explain. But the 1246 offenders who have 50+ previous convictions is that the fault of probation in Northumbria or the consequence of... Within Northumbria probation trust area is some of the most deprived places in uk High number of benefit sanctions leaving people and families with no benefits for weeks, months or years High unemployment rates Predominance of low paid, short term jobs Poor housing stock Years of under investment High rates of alcohol and drug misuse issues High rates of mental health issues - depression etc Negative impact of bedroom tax
And don't forget Northumbria probation trust supervises over 7000 offenders at anyone time And don't forget that the police and the governments own figues indicate that overall crime rates have reduced And finally don't forget that the people of Tyne and Wear have at their service, the best performing probation trust in the country over the last five years evidenced by the MOJ and the probation inspectorate. If grayling is right and NPT and all the other outstanding probation trusts are failing I wonder have his MOJ & NOMS would fair if the same performance measures were applied It's not probation trusts which are under performing but the MOJ and NOMS, it's amazing that probation trusts can do anything given the level of interference and incompetence which is systematic within Graylings MOJ department and NOMS.
Nottingham Post: "Probation officers have gone on strike over what they say is a planned privatisation of the service by the Government. A rally will be staged near the Brian Clough Statue, off Old Market Square, against the developments. In January, the Government published a white paper proposing that public-sector probation trusts should be replaced with privately run community rehabilitation companies, with responsibilities defined in the Offender Rehabilitation Bill. The Bill was approved by the House of Lords in March. The protest follows a number of others held across the country by members of probation service union, Napo. Justice Minister Jeremy Wright has said he is disappointed by the action."
"The Ministry of Justice wants to privatise the majority of the probation service and hand it over to private companies who have a financial incentive to reduce re-offending. Probation officers think it won’t work. 70% of probation officers will be employed by the private sector by January 2015, says the National Association of Probation Officers, as it leads its members out on a 24 hour strike. Privatising offender rehabilitation will lead to a dramatic fall in operational quality, says the union, probation officers leaving the service and doubtful – if any – savings to the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of Justice have said they do not recognise the 70% figure either for staffing or resources – though didn’t say how they do see the resources being split.
Currently, the Probation Services’ 18,000 staff belong to 35 regional trusts and are all run by the public sector. By August 2014, the Ministry of Justice wants to take out all the frontline staff dealing with low and medium risk offenders and put their jobs in the private sector. They will be employed by 21 Community Rehabilitation Companies. These centres will deal with low and medium risk offenders and oversee their reintegration into society. They will be given bonuses if reoffending rates are cut. The Community Rehabilitation Companies will be run by private companies – there will be 21 long contracts each lasting 7 to 10 years. The names in the bidding for the contracts include big utilities companies like Serco, and A4E. In December 2014 shares in all these companies will sold, shifting them into private hands, though the money will continue to come from the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of Justices aims to have negotiated all 21 of these long-term contracts by August 2014. High-risk offenders will remain part of the public sector dealt with by a rump National Probation Service that will remain in the public sector.
What the government thinks will happen: Lower rates of reoffending More competition bringing down the price of the services Part of the deal with private sector companies is that they will have a financial incentive to reduce reoffending – they will be paid more if reoffending rates fall. Cutting the number of trusts will reduce the number of back-office staff needed and increase efficiency.(There's a MoJ quote that wouldn't copy)
What the National Association of Probation Officers thinks will happen:
Under-resourced public sector rump dealing only with the hardest cases leading to officer burn-out, people leaving the service and a bigger risk of dangerous re-offending. A deskilling of the low-risk probation service as private companies hire cheaper and less skilled workers to make more money. More risk of dangerous re-offending if less skilled people are dealing with medium-risk offenders. Escalating costs as contracts require renegotiation.
The Probation Officers union thinks that it will lead to burn-out in the probation officers that remain in the public sector, and a deskilling among the bulk who go to the private sector. They claim that that will make for worse probation services and thus higher risks from offenders in the system. Though the pay and conditions of Probation officers are protected as they move into the private sector, it will be possible for their new employers to fire more expensive staff and bring in new ones at cheaper rates.
"Striking probation officers are picketing the Doncaster probation office today as part of their dispute over privatisation.
Almost 40 members of the National Association of Probation Officers based at the Bennetthorpe office walked out at 12pm yesterday and will be on strike until midnight today.
The strike will mean probation reports are not compiled for the Crown and magistrates’ courts and offenders on probation are not being supervised. The union has agreed that probation hostels will be staffed.
Government reforms mean the existing probation service will disappear in June with private companies taking over supervision of less serious offenders.
NAPO deputy convenor Pete Nowell said: “The Probation Service has the best performance of any public sector service - our reoffending rates have come down year on year. They are wanting to privatise half of it without piloting it.”
Defence solicitors in Doncaster are also on strike today in protest at proposed cuts to the legal aid budget for criminal cases."
Now this from Mactailgunner - I cannot understand why Napo does not go public with details of the omnishambles that really is happening - They said it will start as if real from today - I am almost certain - they said it would run after sell off for six months at least BEFORE general election - that means it MUST start by first week in November - they are not sticking to what they announced, way back when we said it was too rushed and needed pilots.
Andrew. I can tell u it is not going to run as if real. As trusts are instructing staff to be available to cover work of CRC and vice versa as they know there will be gaps.
Of course I do realise that - I merely write what I have either heard a Minister say or have read what has been written on their behalf - it needs probation unions - all three of them and Pbn Trust members to actually speak out - if there is a 'head of steam' up in the media over the books business - it ought to be possible to get similar attention - after all the eventual result will be catastrophic, for some poor folk.
The Children and Family Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) has become part of the Ministry of Justice, Family Justice Minister Simon Hughes has announced.
Family Justice Minister Simon Hughes said:
"We are reforming the family justice system to make sure welfare of children is at its heart and I am delighted to welcome Cafcass as the newest full member of our Ministry of Justice family.
"The work Cafcass does in supporting vulnerable children and making sure their voice is heard in court proceedings is essential. With Cafcass from now on at the heart of government work on family and children issues in the Ministry of Justice, I believe we can and will improve the work done by our courts to give children and all responsible for them the best possible service."
The transfer follows the Family Justice Review's recommendation in 2011 that Cafcass join the Ministry of Justice to 'bring court social work functions closer to the court process'.
Chief Executive of Cafcass, Anthony Douglas CBE, said:
"We have worked closely with MoJ and DfE colleagues ahead of this transfer to ensure continuity of service and to maximise the opportunities it presents. The move is an opportunity to strengthen the perspectives of children in wider MoJ policy. I am pleased with the positive response we have had to our initial ideas about how we might do this together.
"We will maintain the strongest possible links, both on the ground and at a strategic level, with DfE and with local authorities after the transfer.
"On our front line it will be business as usual. Our move to the MOJ will not signify any changes to the way we work and they will be strong supporters of what we do and the way in which we are working with all of our partners to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in the country."
Cafcass was previously sponsored by the Department for Education. CAFCASS Cymru will remain under Welsh Government.
I don't know how best to describe those who cross picket lines but true colleagues don't do that to their colleagues. The picket line is the last line in the workers' struggle in the fight to preserve and improve working conditions. The rights to form unions and withdraw labour were rights that our ancestors won through struggle, exile, imprisonment and death. The pictures of those who responded to the strike inspire. They are the moral giants, the ones who were prepared to put aside selfish concerns in order to be part of a collective protest against the dismantling of a profession they care about. The ones who crossed the picket lines, or more likely arrived early or sneaked in the back way, they are colleagues in name only but not in deed. They could have made a difference but they were selfish and indifferent, even though the terms and conditions they currently have were collectively achieved. Not the type of colleague you can trust to watch your back – in the so-called broad church of probation!
I would suggest that true colleagues - to coin your phrase - do not make sweeping statements about the motivations, morals and beliefs of their "selfish and indifferent" and by implication, untrustworthy, coworkers. Just sayin.
Quite appalling, netnipper. Today, I recalled a licensee to custody, dealt with a distressed, vulnerable and very risky resident of an AP, dealt with a complaint from the mother of a prisoner, advised more junior colleagues about practice issues, fielded innumerable calls in the absence of many colleagues.......do you want me to go on? Don't you dare take the moral high ground and accuse non striking colleagues of being 'selfish and indifferent'. That is just lazy groupthink.
And yes, I am aware that there is a wider political reality and fears for the future that my little micro anecdote failed to address. But the awkward point is, if all probation workers and managers had gone on strike, this would have been quite indefensible, and would have compromised public protection. A lot can happen in 36 hours.
Many do these things on a daily basis. I've been a PO for 17 years and your self praise is also annoying for letting down your profession, colleagues and service users who will all suffer as a result of the imposition of TR. which your actions have supported. I could go on but you sound like a lost cause.
Let the side down no matter how you dress it up....TR compromises public safety and fighting against it is morally right....your sentiments ironically only likely to be valued by your colleagues, certainly not your employers
We are certainly not going to agree! In my office, we have handled the issue without personal attacks from either side. This is not self praise, just a description of a very difficult day, with few colleagues available.
And Anon 20:23, let's turn your argument on its head. You state that my actions have supported TR. I just went into work - I am not a NAPO member in any case. Are you expecting that your actions will stop TR? Isn't a Judicial Review more likely to disrupt the timetable? And why are NAPO so reluctant to pursue this?
Ruth - I have no doubt that if we all united our actions certainly would stop TR. What do you care about what NAPO has or hasn't done - you're not a member and don't support our aims anyway.If TR succeeds, and the Probation Service IS privatised it will in no small part be the fault of people like you.
Come on folks we need to support each other. We joined probation to protect the public and enable individuals to make positive lifestyle changes. We must not judge our colleagues in the choices they make or are forced to make for individual reasons. I did not strike before but felt I could not continue to moan about the situation without doing something about it. I am disappointed that our cause has not been covered in the media. We must not play into the hands of chris grayling and his out of touch government. We must continue to follow our morals and values and support each other. UNITED WE STAND!!
OK. This has become attacking and unproductive. Initially, I reacted to an accusation by Netnipper that by not striking, I was one of those being 'selfish and indifferent'. I consider this to be grossly unfair and untrue. However, I will not place myself in the firing line for anonymous individuals to troll.
Ruth I trust you understand I am supporting you with my post at 00.08. If I did not make myself clear I apologise. It was late but I was upset by the comments you were receiving. Take care
Yes of course. I was responding to the previous posts and thought I had published earlier in the evening so refreshed it after you had posted. Your conciliatory approach was very welcome. The intolerance shown was upsetting.
Great photos, and to see we are still fighting to the end, but where is the national media coverage for today. Nothing on the national news tonight, will there be tomorrow. Teachers, firemen even dustmen get national media coverage, why can't we. One begins to wonder if there had been national media coverage from the start then things may have been somewhat different today. What is the problem is it Napo or government screening. surely we deserve better media coverage?!!!!!!!!!!
I was involved in the napo stike outside Newcastle Crown Court today. We managed to coax a BBC camerman who was waiting for his reporter to arrive to cover a court story to film us but he could not promise his footage would be covered in the news...and it wasn't. We arrived at about 11am and was there til about 2pm demonstrating. During the whole period an ITV Newsvan was parked across the road, showing no interest in our demonstration. When we asked, they said they had 'no instructions' to cover our story.
Solicitors are threatening to turn away new criminal cases destined for the crown court in an escalation of protests over cuts to legal aid. The boycott – intended to gridlock the criminal justice system – was announced at the end of a two-day walkout in England and Wales in conjunction with probation officers, who are protesting against Ministry of Justice plans to privatise offender rehabilitation services.
Around 400 probation staff and solicitors rallied outside parliament on Tuesday before marching on the ministry in central London. The day had been chosen because 1 April is the birthday of the justice secretary, Chris Grayling.
Demonstrators shouldered a giant effigy of Grayling and carried placards declaring "Unhappy Birthday, April Fool." They chanted: "Save legal aid" and "Probation is not for sale".
There were fewer protesters than last month, when barristers joined solicitors in protest against the MoJ's plan to cut £215m from the government's annual legal aid budget. Criminal barristers have now called off their action after the department agreed to delay most cuts to advocacy fees until after the election.
Explaining the need intensify the dispute, Nicola Hill, president of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association, said: "Action in the courts hurts the justice secretary like nothing else. Unless the courts grind to a halt, Mr Grayling just doesn't listen. It's time to be radical … Not only will we not be instructing barristers in crown courts, nor will solicitor advocates take on new legal aid cases. It is hoped that some short-term pain will bring long-term gain to the criminal justice system."
The refusal to take on fresh cases could have a severe impact on criminal barristers' ability to work.
The LCCSA and the Criminal Law Solicitors Association (CLSA) are also initiating a judicial review challenge of the MoJ's consultation exercise in order to halt the cuts.
Ian Lawrence, general secretary of the National Association of Probation Officers, said: "The government plan to outsource 70% of the probation service is untried and untested. It is a dangerous social experiment that we believe will lead to a reduction in rehabilitation."
Nicola Hill has it about right " it's time to be radical". We need to build on the unity and grow it somewhat. If colleagues can see that others are with us it may give them some hope and more fight.
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/north-east-probation-officers-warn-6900885
ReplyDeleteProbation officers have warned that privatising much of their service will put North East families at risk.
ReplyDeleteMembers of the union Napo yesterday walked out over what they said are “dangerous” plans to place the rehabilitation of “low and medium risk” criminals into the hands of private companies.
While elsewhere solicitors once again picketed courts over separate proposed cuts to legal aid.
“What we’re looking at is the result of an ideological drive to sell off public services to private companies,” said Napo’s Northumbria branch chairman Shirley Anderson, who has worked for the service since 1992 and been a qualified probation officer for 12 years.In the North East we have the top probation trust in the country, but that’s not making a difference. The public don’t understand that this will compromise their safety. These people are not low risk.”
More than 60% of the Probation Service could be placed into private hands if the Government’s plans go ahead.
And Shirley said she feared that once the companies who take the service over began to try and turn a profit much of the experience they inherit will be lost as the firms look to cut more expensive, experience and qualified probation officers for cheaper alternatives. To back its proposals the Ministry of Justice will today release figures on the number of criminals who go on to re-offend, saying that in Northumbria 1,246 offenders had 50 or more previous convictions.
Isn't it great how gov pump out stand alone stats with no effort to explain. But the 1246 offenders who have 50+ previous convictions is that the fault of probation in Northumbria or the consequence of...
ReplyDeleteWithin Northumbria probation trust area is some of the most deprived places in uk
High number of benefit sanctions leaving people and families with no benefits for weeks, months or years
High unemployment rates
Predominance of low paid, short term jobs
Poor housing stock
Years of under investment
High rates of alcohol and drug misuse issues
High rates of mental health issues - depression etc
Negative impact of bedroom tax
And don't forget Northumbria probation trust supervises over 7000 offenders at anyone time
And don't forget that the police and the governments own figues indicate that overall crime rates have reduced
And finally don't forget that the people of Tyne and Wear have at their service, the best performing probation trust in the country over the last five years evidenced by the MOJ and the probation inspectorate.
If grayling is right and NPT and all the other outstanding probation trusts are failing I wonder have his MOJ & NOMS would fair if the same performance measures were applied
It's not probation trusts which are under performing but the MOJ and NOMS, it's amazing that probation trusts can do anything given the level of interference and incompetence which is systematic within Graylings MOJ department and NOMS.
Within Northumbria probation trust area lives a population of 1,076,300 just so the 1248 offenders can be put into perspective
ReplyDeleteNottingham Post:
ReplyDelete"Probation officers have gone on strike over what they say is a planned privatisation of the service by the Government.
A rally will be staged near the Brian Clough Statue, off Old Market Square, against the developments.
In January, the Government published a white paper proposing that public-sector probation trusts should be replaced with privately run community rehabilitation companies, with responsibilities defined in the Offender Rehabilitation Bill.
The Bill was approved by the House of Lords in March.
The protest follows a number of others held across the country by members of probation service union, Napo.
Justice Minister Jeremy Wright has said he is disappointed by the action."
http://ampp3d.mirror.co.uk/2014/03/31/the-privatization-of-the-probation-service-will-it-work/
ReplyDelete"The Ministry of Justice wants to privatise the majority of the probation service and hand it over to private companies who have a financial incentive to reduce re-offending. Probation officers think it won’t work.
70% of probation officers will be employed by the private sector by January 2015, says the National Association of Probation Officers, as it leads its members out on a 24 hour strike. Privatising offender rehabilitation will lead to a dramatic fall in operational quality, says the union, probation officers leaving the service and doubtful – if any – savings to the Ministry of Justice.
The Ministry of Justice have said they do not recognise the 70% figure either for staffing or resources – though didn’t say how they do see the resources being split.
Currently, the Probation Services’ 18,000 staff belong to 35 regional trusts and are all run by the public sector. By August 2014, the Ministry of Justice wants to take out all the frontline staff dealing with low and medium risk offenders and put their jobs in the private sector.
They will be employed by 21 Community Rehabilitation Companies. These centres will deal with low and medium risk offenders and oversee their reintegration into society. They will be given bonuses if reoffending rates are cut.
The Community Rehabilitation Companies will be run by private companies – there will be 21 long contracts each lasting 7 to 10 years. The names in the bidding for the contracts include big utilities companies like Serco, and A4E. In December 2014 shares in all these companies will sold, shifting them into private hands, though the money will continue to come from the Ministry of Justice.
The Ministry of Justices aims to have negotiated all 21 of these long-term contracts by August 2014.
High-risk offenders will remain part of the public sector dealt with by a rump National Probation Service that will remain in the public sector.
What the government thinks will happen:
Lower rates of reoffending
More competition bringing down the price of the services
Part of the deal with private sector companies is that they will have a financial incentive to reduce reoffending – they will be paid more if reoffending rates fall.
Cutting the number of trusts will reduce the number of back-office staff needed and increase efficiency.(There's a MoJ quote that wouldn't copy)
What the National Association of Probation Officers thinks will happen:
Under-resourced public sector rump dealing only with the hardest cases leading to officer burn-out, people leaving the service and a bigger risk of dangerous re-offending.
A deskilling of the low-risk probation service as private companies hire cheaper and less skilled workers to make more money.
More risk of dangerous re-offending if less skilled people are dealing with medium-risk offenders.
Escalating costs as contracts require renegotiation.
The Probation Officers union thinks that it will lead to burn-out in the probation officers that remain in the public sector, and a deskilling among the bulk who go to the private sector. They claim that that will make for worse probation services and thus higher risks from offenders in the system. Though the pay and conditions of Probation officers are protected as they move into the private sector, it will be possible for their new employers to fire more expensive staff and bring in new ones at cheaper rates.
the star - doncaster
ReplyDelete"Striking probation officers are picketing the Doncaster probation office today as part of their dispute over privatisation.
Almost 40 members of the National Association of Probation Officers based at the Bennetthorpe office walked out at 12pm yesterday and will be on strike until midnight today.
The strike will mean probation reports are not compiled for the Crown and magistrates’ courts and offenders on probation are not being supervised. The union has agreed that probation hostels will be staffed.
Government reforms mean the existing probation service will disappear in June with private companies taking over supervision of less serious offenders.
NAPO deputy convenor Pete Nowell said: “The Probation Service has the best performance of any public sector service - our reoffending rates have come down year on year. They are wanting to privatise half of it without piloting it.”
Defence solicitors in Doncaster are also on strike today in protest at proposed cuts to the legal aid budget for criminal cases."
Now this from Mactailgunner - I cannot understand why Napo does not go public with details of the omnishambles that really is happening - They said it will start as if real from today - I am almost certain - they said it would run after sell off for six months at least BEFORE general election - that means it MUST start by first week in November - they are not sticking to what they announced, way back when we said it was too rushed and needed pilots.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.napo2.org.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=606
Andrew. I can tell u it is not going to run as if real. As trusts are instructing staff to be available to cover work of CRC and vice versa as they know there will be gaps.
DeleteOf course I do realise that - I merely write what I have either heard a Minister say or have read what has been written on their behalf - it needs probation unions - all three of them and Pbn Trust members to actually speak out - if there is a 'head of steam' up in the media over the books business - it ought to be possible to get similar attention - after all the eventual result will be catastrophic, for some poor folk.
Deletehttp://www.familylawweek.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed128668
ReplyDeleteThe Children and Family Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) has become part of the Ministry of Justice, Family Justice Minister Simon Hughes has announced.
DeleteFamily Justice Minister Simon Hughes said:
"We are reforming the family justice system to make sure welfare of children is at its heart and I am delighted to welcome Cafcass as the newest full member of our Ministry of Justice family.
"The work Cafcass does in supporting vulnerable children and making sure their voice is heard in court proceedings is essential. With Cafcass from now on at the heart of government work on family and children issues in the Ministry of Justice, I believe we can and will improve the work done by our courts to give children and all responsible for them the best possible service."
The transfer follows the Family Justice Review's recommendation in 2011 that Cafcass join the Ministry of Justice to 'bring court social work functions closer to the court process'.
Chief Executive of Cafcass, Anthony Douglas CBE, said:
"We have worked closely with MoJ and DfE colleagues ahead of this transfer to ensure continuity of service and to maximise the opportunities it presents. The move is an opportunity to strengthen the perspectives of children in wider MoJ policy. I am pleased with the positive response we have had to our initial ideas about how we might do this together.
"We will maintain the strongest possible links, both on the ground and at a strategic level, with DfE and with local authorities after the transfer.
"On our front line it will be business as usual. Our move to the MOJ will not signify any changes to the way we work and they will be strong supporters of what we do and the way in which we are working with all of our partners to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in the country."
Cafcass was previously sponsored by the Department for Education. CAFCASS Cymru will remain under Welsh Government.
I don't know how best to describe those who cross picket lines but true colleagues don't do that to their colleagues. The picket line is the last line in the workers' struggle in the fight to preserve and improve working conditions. The rights to form unions and withdraw labour were rights that our ancestors won through struggle, exile, imprisonment and death. The pictures of those who responded to the strike inspire. They are the moral giants, the ones who were prepared to put aside selfish concerns in order to be part of a collective protest against the dismantling of a profession they care about. The ones who crossed the picket lines, or more likely arrived early or sneaked in the back way, they are colleagues in name only but not in deed. They could have made a difference but they were selfish and indifferent, even though the terms and conditions they currently have were collectively achieved. Not the type of colleague you can trust to watch your back – in the so-called broad church of probation!
ReplyDeleteI would suggest that true colleagues - to coin your phrase - do not make sweeping statements about the motivations, morals and beliefs of their "selfish and indifferent" and by implication, untrustworthy, coworkers.
DeleteJust sayin.
Quite appalling, netnipper. Today, I recalled a licensee to custody, dealt with a distressed, vulnerable and very risky resident of an AP, dealt with a complaint from the mother of a prisoner, advised more junior colleagues about practice issues, fielded innumerable calls in the absence of many colleagues.......do you want me to go on? Don't you dare take the moral high ground and accuse non striking colleagues of being 'selfish and indifferent'. That is just lazy groupthink.
DeleteAnd yes, I am aware that there is a wider political reality and fears for the future that my little micro anecdote failed to address. But the awkward point is, if all probation workers and managers had gone on strike, this would have been quite indefensible, and would have compromised public protection. A lot can happen in 36 hours.
DeleteMany do these things on a daily basis. I've been a PO for 17 years and your self praise is also annoying for letting down your profession, colleagues and service users who will all suffer as a result of the imposition of TR. which your actions have supported. I could go on but you sound like a lost cause.
DeleteLet the side down no matter how you dress it up....TR compromises public safety and fighting against it is morally right....your sentiments ironically only likely to be valued by your colleagues, certainly not your employers
DeleteWe are certainly not going to agree! In my office, we have handled the issue without personal attacks from either side. This is not self praise, just a description of a very difficult day, with few colleagues available.
DeleteAnd Anon 20:23, let's turn your argument on its head. You state that my actions have supported TR. I just went into work - I am not a NAPO member in any case. Are you expecting that your actions will stop TR? Isn't a Judicial Review more likely to disrupt the timetable? And why are NAPO so reluctant to pursue this?
DeleteRuth - I have no doubt that if we all united our actions certainly would stop TR. What do you care about what NAPO has or hasn't done - you're not a member and don't support our aims anyway.If TR succeeds, and the Probation Service IS privatised it will in no small part be the fault of people like you.
DeleteCome on folks we need to support each other. We joined probation to protect the public and enable individuals to make positive lifestyle changes. We must not judge our colleagues in the choices they make or are forced to make for individual reasons. I did not strike before but felt I could not continue to moan about the situation without doing something about it. I am disappointed that our cause has not been covered in the media. We must not play into the hands of chris grayling and his out of touch government. We must continue to follow our morals and values and support each other. UNITED WE STAND!!
DeleteOK. This has become attacking and unproductive. Initially, I reacted to an accusation by Netnipper that by not striking, I was one of those being 'selfish and indifferent'. I consider this to be grossly unfair and untrue. However, I will not place myself in the firing line for anonymous individuals to troll.
DeleteRuth I trust you understand I am supporting you with my post at 00.08. If I did not make myself clear I apologise. It was late but I was upset by the comments you were receiving. Take care
DeleteYes of course. I was responding to the previous posts and thought I had published earlier in the evening so refreshed it after you had posted. Your conciliatory approach was very welcome. The intolerance shown was upsetting.
DeleteGreat photos, and to see we are still fighting to the end, but where is the national media coverage for today. Nothing on the national news tonight, will there be tomorrow. Teachers, firemen even dustmen get national media coverage, why can't we. One begins to wonder if there had been national media coverage from the start then things may have been somewhat different today. What is the problem is it Napo or government screening. surely we deserve better media coverage?!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI was involved in the napo stike outside Newcastle Crown Court today. We managed to coax a BBC camerman who was waiting for his reporter to arrive to cover a court story to film us but he could not promise his footage would be covered in the news...and it wasn't. We arrived at about 11am and was there til about 2pm demonstrating. During the whole period an ITV Newsvan was parked across the road, showing no interest in our demonstration. When we asked, they said they had 'no instructions' to cover our story.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2014/apr/01/solicitors-no-new-cases-legal-aid-protest
ReplyDeleteSolicitors are threatening to turn away new criminal cases destined for the crown court in an escalation of protests over cuts to legal aid. The boycott – intended to gridlock the criminal justice system – was announced at the end of a two-day walkout in England and Wales in conjunction with probation officers, who are protesting against Ministry of Justice plans to privatise offender rehabilitation services.
ReplyDeleteAround 400 probation staff and solicitors rallied outside parliament on Tuesday before marching on the ministry in central London. The day had been chosen because 1 April is the birthday of the justice secretary, Chris Grayling.
Demonstrators shouldered a giant effigy of Grayling and carried placards declaring "Unhappy Birthday, April Fool." They chanted: "Save legal aid" and "Probation is not for sale".
There were fewer protesters than last month, when barristers joined solicitors in protest against the MoJ's plan to cut £215m from the government's annual legal aid budget. Criminal barristers have now called off their action after the department agreed to delay most cuts to advocacy fees until after the election.
Explaining the need intensify the dispute, Nicola Hill, president of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association, said: "Action in the courts hurts the justice secretary like nothing else. Unless the courts grind to a halt, Mr Grayling just doesn't listen. It's time to be radical … Not only will we not be instructing barristers in crown courts, nor will solicitor advocates take on new legal aid cases. It is hoped that some short-term pain will bring long-term gain to the criminal justice system."
The refusal to take on fresh cases could have a severe impact on criminal barristers' ability to work.
The LCCSA and the Criminal Law Solicitors Association (CLSA) are also initiating a judicial review challenge of the MoJ's consultation exercise in order to halt the cuts.
Ian Lawrence, general secretary of the National Association of Probation Officers, said: "The government plan to outsource 70% of the probation service is untried and untested. It is a dangerous social experiment that we believe will lead to a reduction in rehabilitation."
Nicola Hill has it about right " it's time to be radical". We need to build on the unity and grow it somewhat. If colleagues can see that others are with us it may give them some hope and more fight.
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