Prisons Working Environments and Violence at Work 2022-10-18
2022-10-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted the dangerous environment for prison officers who face violence at work.
What steps his Department is taking to help create safer working environments in prisons and support prison staff who are victims of violence at work?
We are committed to making prisons a safe place for staff, providing them with the right support, training, and tools. Anybody violent towards staff will face consequences.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps or timeline for creating safer working environments or supporting victims of violence.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the dangerous environment for prison officers and urged a review of their pension age.
Will he commit to an urgent review of how the pension age for prison officers can be reduced so that it reflects that of other public sector workers in similar challenging environments?
The Minister appreciated the challenge made, stated consequences for violent actions against staff, and noted annual fitness tests apply to older prison officers. He did not commit to a specific pension age review.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to an urgent review on reducing the pension age.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted that families also suffer from the violence experienced by prison officers.
What is being done to help the families of those who are suffering physically or mentally due to workplace violence?
The Minister acknowledged the valid point, noting post-incident support through care teams, trauma risk management, and counselling is available for staff impacted by violence in the workplace. Families are considered in this context as well.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on support provided directly to families of victims of workplace violence.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP welcomed the new Secretary of State to his place and highlighted that one in four prison officers quit within a year, leading to incidents like offenders using phones or running drug empires.
When will the Government get back control of our prisons?
The Minister welcomed the hon. Gentleman, acknowledged a link between staffing levels and prison violence, noted an increase in the number of prison officers from under 18,000 to almost 22,000, initiated a review to prevent incidents, and highlighted unacceptable situations.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to when control over prisons will be regained specifically.
Response accuracy