Share parental leave pay with Probation!
Campaign on International Women’s Day – Wednesday 8 March
In 2014 following the abolition of Probation Trusts staff transferred to either the NPS (National Probation Service) or one of the CRCs (Community Rehabilitation Companies). Staff in the NPS have had to adopt Civil Service policies but are not yet allowed to benefit from the more generous Civil Service Maternity/shared parental leave pay. Since the NPS was formed Napo negotiators have raised this issue - and perhaps not surprisingly NOMS haven’t been swift to act.
What is Napo asking members to do to assist in getting this policy implemented?
On lunchtime of Wednesday 8th March we are asking members and supporters to go out at lunchtime and take a photo holding the attached hashtag sign. The more people the better. Post your pictures on Twitter using the following hashtag:
#MaternityRightsMatter
Click here to download the #MaternityRightsMatter Sign We will use this as part of Napo’s campaign to press the point with the employers - along with renewed negotiation efforts.
What is shared parental leave pay?
This is the pay that staff receive when they are sharing their parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child. It is paid at the same rate as maternity pay but can now be shared between two parents. Civil Service staff (for example prison staff) are offered up to 26 weeks at their full pay rate (subject to length of service qualifications). For illustration the current NNC agreement that applies to Probation staff offers maternity pay at 9/10 salary for 6 weeks followed by ½ salary for 12 weeks (subject to length of service qualifications).
What about CRCs and PBNI?
The principle Napo is seeking to implement is that what applies to one Probation employer should be replicated by others. Napo will seek to negotiate the same with all Probation employers and we will have a better chance of success once NOMS applies the policy to the NPS as no other employer will wish to risk losing staff on the basis of better pay related conditions with another employer.
What is International Women’s Day?
Since the early 20th Century socialists and trade unionists have celebrated International Women’s Day, which takes place annually on 8 March.
The day is closely linked to women and work, so much so that it was originally known as International Working Women’s Day. Additionally the day was also closely linked with the demand of votes for women. In 1914 there was a march in London in support of women's suffrage and Sylvia Pankhurst was arrested on her way to speak in Trafalgar Square.
Celebrate International Women’s Day, 8 March, by campaigning for your rights!