Renationalise failing privatised probation services, say unions

The government must bring failing privatised probation services back under public control instead of leaving the taxpayer to bail them out, UNISON, NAPO and GMB said today (Wednesday). The three public service unions have written to justice secretary David Lidington highlighting how ‘risky and controversial’ reforms – where private probation firms manage thousands of people who have committed offences – are not working. They say findings from a long-awaited review of these so-called community rehabilitation companies (CRCs) must be published in full, along with details of the public money that has been spent keeping CRCs solvent. The call comes as new figures* released by the government show a rise in the number of people who commit serious crimes while already serving sentences outside prison. This is since probation service reforms were introduced three years ago. UNISON, NAPO and GMB also warn about the government’s next privatisation plan to outsource contracts for night-time supervision in probation hostels. These premises house some of the most dangerous people to be released from prison before they are allowed to live in the community. The public could be put at risk because private companies will employ poorly trained staff and pay them low wages, say the three unions. UNISON national officer Ben Priestley said: “People are potentially being put at risk because private firms have not delivered on keeping the public safe. “The justice secr...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: News Press release ben priestley police police and justice privatisation Source Type: news