Cuts to Glasgow’s Community Payback Service

GMB warns against “totally self-defeating” cuts to Glasgow’s Community Payback Service

GMB Scotland has today (Wednesday 25 August) warned that proposed cuts to jobs and placements in Glasgow City Council’s Community Payback Service would be “totally self-defeating.”

Cuts proposals tabled by service management to trade unions will target a reduction of 9 staff alongside a reduction in unpaid work placements across Glasgow from 384 to 255 per week – a rate which could amount to over 6,700 less placements a year.

The Community Payback Service works in partnership with Criminal Justice Social Work Services (CJSWS) to deliver the unpaid work element of Community Payback Orders (CPOs).

It provides an alternative to a custodial sentence and gives offenders the chance to make amends for their offences by carrying out work to the benefit of communities.

GMB Scotland Organiser Sean Baillie said: “These cuts are totally self-defeating, not just for the mission of payback service and the dedicated staff delivering this important work, but also for society and the public purse.

“It is also a contradiction of the Scottish Government policy to use the payback service as a rehabilitative and more cost-effective alternative to putting people in overcrowded prisons. But what is the point of these policies at Holyrood if they are being undermined at the council level – where is the joined-up thinking in our democracy and justice system?

“It would be better for everyone if we actually invest in this service to protect jobs and prevent re-offending, offering opportunities in a way that supplements our public services and improves social cohesion in our communities.”

ENDS

Contact: GMB Scotland Communications on 07976 447077.