The Probation Unions position is that the trade unions and employer previously reached an agreement that, under the Competency Based Framework, on the 1st of April each year eligible staff would achieve incremental progression - i.e. moving up one pay point within their bay band. Also, that this process is completely separate to the outcome of any pay negotiations between the employer and trade unions, which can result in increases in the value of employee's pay. Our view is that there exists a wealth of evidence, much of it previously issued by HMPPS to its staff, that they were - at least until recent months - of the same view.
We've previously updated members that since last year we've attempted to work with the employer to ensure that, where eligible, staff achieve incremental progression under the Competency Based Framework this month. The joint unions have repeatedly made representations at every opportunity available with HMPPS to stress our position to them. In doing this we've made clear the level of anger that has been caused by the employer failing to honour it's agreement in this regard on all staff, and the impact that will remain going forward on the level of trust any employee could continue to have on an employer that behaves in this way.
At this point, due solely to the behaviour of the employer, Napo, UNISON and GMB/SCOOP are left with no option but to advise members that the unions are registering a national dispute with the employer, seeking a hearing at the earliest opportunity. Through this, and other means available to us, we will seek to achieve an outcome that forces the employer to honour the agreement it made with the trade unions and pay those staff who are eligible the incremental progression they are due as soon as possible.