Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

HMPPS Staff: Government Pay Policy

Tuesday 9 November 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government's pay policy for HMPPS staff is subject to the public sector pay pause due to the covid-19 emergency.
  • The Chancellor's recent Budget announcement will return the pay-setting process to normal from 2022.
  • The Secretary of State has met with prison unions including the POA and the Prison Governors Association to discuss pay and workplace safety.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Martin McDonnell Lab Hayes and Harlington
Policing & Resources Employment
Context

The question follows concerns about the impact of the public sector pay pause, which was imposed due to the covid-19 emergency. The Prison Officers' Association reports low morale among prison staff.

Question

I am concerned about the effect of the Government's pay policy for HMPPS staff on recruitment, morale and retention. Pay awards are subject to the public sector pay pause, but I have been informed that the Government are accepting the pay review board's recommendations. The pay review board has stated in its report that the remit given by the Government precludes it from making a full recommendation on pay awards. May I request an assessment of the effect of this policy?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

The public sector pay pause was imposed due to the covid-19 emergency. The Chancellor's recent Budget announcement will return pay setting to a normal process from 2022. I have met with prison unions including the POA and am committed to working on matters of pay as well as ensuring staff feel safe at work.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for an assessment was not directly addressed; instead, a general commitment to review issues is given.

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Q2 John Martin McDonnell Lab Hayes and Harlington
Justice & Courts Employment
Context

Morale among prison staff is at rock bottom due to the public sector pay pause, which restricts full recommendations from the pay review board.

Question

As an honorary life member of the POA, I am concerned about low morale among prison staff due to pay issues. The Secretary of State stated that the Government accept the PRB's recommendations but this is incompatible with their role as a compensatory mechanism for non-striking prison staff. May I request that the Minister meets a delegation from the justice unions group to discuss these matters and develop a pay strategy?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

I have met not just the POA but also the Prison Governors Association and other smaller unions. I am committed to working on matters of pay, safety in the workplace for prison officers, and valuing their role in the prison system.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While a commitment to meet with unions is given, there was no direct agreement or timeline for discussing specific issues like morale and developing a pay strategy as requested.

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