Prison Officers Pension Age 2025-11-11
2025-11-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prison Officers Association launched its '68 is Too Late' pensions report, which highlights the difficulties prison officers face in working until they are almost 70 years old and its impact on morale. The report includes a survey of POA members.
Prison officers describe how unrealistic and cruel it is to expect them to walk the landings until they are almost 70 years old, with negative effects on morale. Does the Minister accept that resolving the pension crisis for prison staff should be a top priority for fixing our jails?
The Government recognise that pension age is an important issue and will continue to engage with recognised trade unions and POA representatives. The work and working conditions of prison officers are getting harder, and the Government is committed to helping them.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific commitment on lowering the pension age for prison officers.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The existing retirement age for prison officers and the increase in violent offenders and illegal substances in prisons raise concerns about the suitability of the current pension age.
Given the current situation with an increasing number of violent offenders and illegal substances in prisons, does the Minister agree that it is urgent to review the pension age for prison officers who are looking to retire earlier?
It is absolutely right that we continue to have discussions with relevant trade unions about the pension age. We understand the challenges faced by prison officers, including harder work conditions due to an increase in violent offenders and illegal substances.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to reviewing or lowering the pension age for prison officers.
Response accuracy