Probation staff vote for strike action in ‘serious anger’ over pay and workloads

13th November, 2026 | News

NAPO Members Vote for Strike Action and Overtime Ban Over Pay and Workloads

Members of the National Association of Probation Officers (NAPO) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, including a complete ban on overtime starting 23 November, due to disputes over pay and escalating workloads.

While leadership has not yet called for a full walkout, preparations are underway to launch formal strikes at a later stage if deemed necessary.

Key Details of the Ballot

The ballot was launched following an “unacceptable” 5% pay offer from the government. NAPO highlights that members routinely log thousands of hours of unpaid overtime to cope with extreme institutional demands.

• Pay Stagnation: The union notes that probation wages have effectively stagnated since 2010, with reception staff earning salaries just above the minimum wage.
• Workload Crisis: Pressures have intensified following the government’s introduction of the early prison release scheme designed to ease prison overcrowding.
• Ballot Results:
  • Pay: 86% voted in favour of action short of strikes (working to contract), while 75% backed full strike action.
  • Workloads: 87% supported action short of strikes, and 76% backed strikes.

Union Response

NAPO General Secretary Ian Lawrence condemned the current state of the probation service:

“The high turnout by our members, and the result, vindicates the campaign to achieve a pay rise to make up lost ground in comparative pay with other staff employed within HMPPS (His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service)… Our members have tried desperately to do what the previous government, as well as this one, have demanded, but have done so against a background of inadequate staffing and a lack of resources.”