Probation staff working in Bath and the surrounding areas are to strike over the governments national outsourcing program.

Staff will walk out over a tow day period in response to the government’s move end probation trusts and outsource 70 per cent of the probation service to voluntary and private sector groups.

The strike is expected impact local services and justice services with Justice minister Jeremy Wright commenting: “It is very disappointing that Napo has chosen to strike when we are making positive progress towards the implementation of these vital reforms.”

The plans to transfer 250,000 offenders are expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The head of National Association of Probation Officers, Ian Lawrence, said: “It’s not something our members take lightly but they feel that these proposals will have such an impact on public safety that they have no choice.”

Probation Officers to strike over outsourcing plans