Clarke: Targets cut for 'bogged down' probation staff

Probation staff are "bogged down" in paperwork and can spend just a quarter of their time dealing directly with offenders, MPs say.

The justice committee report said staff in England and Wales took an "overly administrative" approach to their work.

Justice Secretary Ken Clarke said he agreed with the conclusions of the report and said he had already taken steps to stop "micro management" and had "reduced targets" for staff.