PROBATION staff in Watford held a one day official strike on Wednesday, January 28, in protest over spiralling workloads.

Around ten members of the Hertfordshire probation area picketed their office in King Street.

It is the first time in 19 years that the National Association of Probation Officers (Napo) has taken industrial action and is only the second strike in its history.

The walk out meant court reports were not presented, resulting in several adjournments in the county.

Until the dispute is resolved, probation officers will log their hours and refuse to work more than 150 in any month, which could throw the service into chaos.

January 30, 2003 15:00