Prison Officer Morale Pension Age 2025-07-08
2025-07-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Prison officers' pension age was increased to 68 by the previous government, which led to deteriorating morale among staff. The current issue involves negotiations to potentially lower the pension age back down.
The last Government hiked up prison officers’ pension age to 68, and then walked away from negotiations that were set up to partially reverse that unfair and unrealistic policy. This devastated morale, which is now worse than ever, especially with violence against staff at record highs. Are this Government prepared to do what it takes and clean up yet another Tory prisons mess? Will Ministers finally get back around the table with the Prison Officers Association to negotiate a fair pensions deal for its members?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to point to the fact that this is yet another Tory mess that we have inherited. As I have said, we value the work of the POA and recognise the significant work of prison officers and the strength of feeling on this issue. We will continue to engage with the POA and others to try to find the best way forward.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request for a pensions deal was not directly addressed; instead, a commitment to further engagement was given without specifying a timeline or concrete actions.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There is an increase in turnover among prison officers, with staff leaving early due to dissatisfaction over their pension scheme. The current issue involves the need for more intense negotiations with the Prison Officers Association.
There is a problem in our prisons across the United Kingdom. It is a two-spectrum problem, in that there is an increase in turnover, with prison officers leaving early, while the problem of the pension continues. Can the Minister increase the intensity of discussions with the POA to try to reach a more satisfactory outcome to which the Department and the prison officers concerned are amenable?
The hon. Gentleman makes a fair point. We need to make progress on this issue, and we are determined to do so.
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Assessment & feedback
While acknowledging the need for progress, no concrete steps or timeline was provided regarding intensified negotiations.
Response accuracy