In recent months Napo has continued to press the case at every opportunity, including meetings with Ministers and HMPPS senior managers as well as in media interviews, for a significant increase in pay for Probation staff in 2025.
With other trade unions we have also been developing our case in support of a pay award that will help attract new staff but, much more importantly, encourage the retention of experienced Probation staff. This is an issue which HMPPS has clearly failed to deliver on and it is crucial their approach changes, with the next pay deal being the most obvious way they can demonstrate their commitment in this regard.
In advance of formal negotiations, which we are hoping will commence as early as possible in 2025, we have been clear that it won't be possible for this or any other Government to build it's way out of the ongoing crisis in prisons. What has been obvious to our members for many years now increasingly appears to be being more widely accepted - that high quality rehabilitation services in the community, delivered by Probation Service staff, is the only viable alternative.
To support this we have stressed the need for substantial investment in the Probation Service - in particular it's workforce - along with a coherent long term plan to address the wider systemic failings of the criminal justice system.
See the headlines of the nearly finalised Probation Pay here
Cafcass Pay Award
Some good news on pay for our members working in Cafcass who have agreed to a 4.43% across the board increase for 2024/2025 following ballots of Napo and UNISON members. It is expected that this will be paid out in January.
Probation Board Northern Ireland
This year has seen a significant breakthrough for our PBNI members in the form of the Pay Modernisation package. This was achieved after years of persistence by Napo and NIPSA members. We are hoping that in January our members will receive a further automatic pay award under the 2024/25 NJC agreement with Pay Points up to and including Point 43 each increasing by £1,290 per annum. All NJC Pay Points from 44 to 61, and Chief Officer pay rates are to receive a 2.5% uplift.
Our Napo PBNI Branch Representatives will be issuing more news locally in the coming weeks about other aspects of the Pay Modernisation package that have still to be finalised.
Seasonal Greetings
We want to thank Napo members for their continuing loyalty and support over this past year which has seen another highly encouraging rise in membership
2025 will again bring huge challenges for our members, but belief in our collective cause will ensure that we face these with resolve and solidarity.
Meanwhile, we wish all our members and your families our warm wishes for a relaxing holiday and peaceful 2025.
Click here to find out about Napo HQ opening hours over the festive season