PLANS to cut the number of criminals repaying their debts to society through community payback orders have been blasted as "totally self-defeating". 

One of Scotland's major trade unions claims that plans seen by reps will result in thousands fewer people carrying out unpaid work as punishment for crimes.
It is estimated that nine jobs will be lost and that the number of people in community payback placements will drop from 384 to 255 per week – a rate which could amount to over 6,700 fewer placements a year.

The Community Payback Service provides an alternative to jail time and gives offenders the chance to make amends 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?"

Glasgow city council was approached for comment.