Probation Service: Pay

Mr. David Anderson
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice for what reason Probation Service staff have not received their contractual pay increments in 2008.

Maria Eagle
Probation staff have a contractual right to pay progression from 1 April 2008, but the amount of that progression has to be negotiated as part of the annual pay settlement. Discussions relating to this settlement are currently taking place between the probation employers and the trade unions. It is hoped that a settlement will be reached as soon as possible.