FIVE public-sector unions in Wales have called on the two candidates for the post of First Minister to commit to pressing for crisis-hit probation and youth justice services to be devolved.

The GMB, probation officers’ union Napo, PCS, Unison and lecturers’ union UCU said “botched” Westminster reforms had left the services in Wales in crisis.

They demanded Vaughan Gething and Jeremy Miles, who are both candidates to replace First Minister Mark Drakeford, commit to action.

Unison Cymru Wales head of police and justice Simon Dunn said: “Wales should be responsible for running its own probation and youth justice services. 

“Politicians in Cardiff understand the issues affecting essential services in Wales far better than their counterparts in Westminster.”

Napo general secretary Ian Lawrence said: “Napo members are clear, the probation service in Wales and England is in crisis. 

“It must be untethered from the Westminster Civil Service, and separated from the prison service, or the damage will be irreversible.”

A government spokesperson said: “The government has been consistently clear that the most effective and efficient way to administer justice in Wales is through the single jurisdiction, which ensures the people of Wales benefit from a world-leading justice system.”