Harry Fletcher of probation officers' union Napo said the "astonishing" overhaul was being "rushed through without proper thought to the consequences".

BBC: UK

Harry Fletcher, assistant general secretary of probation service union Napo, said the report confirmed that Noms had been "a major problem from the start".

BBC: Probation staff 'spend just 24% of time with offenders'

Napo head Harry Fletcher is also concerned the reorganisation could see an huge increase in red-tape as a new level of regional bureaucracy is created.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Protest due over probation reform

"I've certainly been worried for 15-18 months that individuals are being transferred into open jails who pose a risk to the public" said Napo's Harry Fletcher.

BBC: 'Risk' from open prison criminals

Harry Fletcher, of the National Association of Probation Officers, said the idea of mentors was "excellent" but he thought it would never happen because so many prisoners were released every year.

BBC: Prison gates mentor plan for released inmates

"The probation service pioneered equal opportunities and it is still well ahead of other agencies, but Napo is deeply concerned about the number of black staff failing their probationary year, " spokesman Harry Fletcher said.

BBC: Probation service 'racist'