Prison Officers Terms and Conditions of Service 2025-07-08
2025-07-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Seamus Logan has been seeking updates on the review of terms and conditions of service for prison officers since October. He had received responses indicating that the situation was being 'kept under review'. The Minister had a recent meeting with Seamus Logan to discuss these issues.
I have been in correspondence with the Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending last October, but he sits in the other place. In January, I was advised by the Minister here that the Secretary of State was awaiting advice about the range of terms and conditions issues for prison officers. Later in the spring, again from the Dispatch Box, it was said that the situation is being kept under review. Given this nine-month duration of inquiry, can you provide an update on progress with the advice received and what exactly is being reviewed?
We are fully engaged with the Prison Officers Association on this issue. The hon. Member and I had a useful meeting recently to explore these issues, reaffirming that the Lord Chancellor and the Department are committed to addressing concerns related to prison officers.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for an update on advice received and what exactly is being reviewed was not addressed with concrete details.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
There has been a recent increase in attacks on prison officers by Islamist extremists, with reports that these individuals are teaching organised criminals bomb-making skills. Former governors have expressed concern over the threat posed to frontline staff.
There has been a spate of attacks on prison officers in recent months by Islamist terrorists. One study revealed that terrorists inside prisons are teaching organised criminals how to make bombs, making the situation intolerable for frontline staff according to former governors. Can you provide an assessment of the threat from these gangs and what actions your department is taking to address it?
We have invested £40 million to stop contraband, which includes enhancing security and easing crowding to curb violence. We mandate the use of protective body armour in high-risk units and on the long-term high-security estate where some of the most dangerous prisoners are held.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy