Commenting on the publication today (Tuesday) of Jennifer Rademaker's report into bullying, harassment and discrimination within His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service, UNISON head of probation Mike Short said:

"This long overdue report confirms what Probation Service staff have known for years, that bullying, harassment and discrimination are rife.

"These toxic conditions are a legacy of Chris Grayling's disastrous probation reforms in 2014, followed by years of underfunding, staff shortages and soaring workloads.

"The service should be returned to its local roots, run by independent chief probation officers and overseen by elected mayors or police and crime commissioners.

"Prior to last year's general election, Labour promised a review of probation governance. That must happen sooner rather than later. And until probation is removed from civil service control, bullying and harassment issues are unlikely to go away."

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, police service, probation and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

- UNISON is one of three trade unions recognised by His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service.

- Jennifer Rademaker is a non-executive director at the Ministry of Justice. Following concerns raised by HMPPS staff and probation trade unions, she was asked in 2024 to investigate allegations of bullying, harassment and intimidation within the service.

Media contacts:

Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk

Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk