18/10/2013

Probation Officers Vote For Strike Action

In a dispute over the governments plans to privatise the probation service in England and Wales, officers have voted in favour of industrial action.

The National Association of Probation Officers reported a 46% turn out for the ballot, with 80% voting in favour of strike action.

Charities and private firms are currently bidding on Probation Service contracts worth some £450m.

It is understood that more than 700 organisations from across the world have expressed interest in the contracts.

Critics however, have said that priviatising the probation service will increase re-offending.

(MH/JP)

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