Commenting on the recommendations in David Gauke’s independent sentencing review published today (Thursday), UNISON national officer for probation Ben Priestley said:
“Probation can be an effective alternative to a failing prison system, as this review acknowledges.
“But the system can only work properly if it’s given the investment it desperately needs.
“These recommendations make clear that supervision of those previously serving short sentences has added significantly to probation staff workloads.
“Reducing the number of sentences under 12 months will free up probation staff to focus more on effective rehabilitation.
“This should also mean far fewer women are sent to prison in future as they’ve been far more likely to be given shorter prison terms than men.
“Delivering these changes can only be achieved if the government provides new funding in the spending review.
“That must include the money to improve pay which has to increase dramatically if probation is to attract the staff required.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, probation, police services, and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary, and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
The article Probation is key to fixing prison crisis but needs significant funding boost first appeared on the UNISON National site.
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