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.
Question
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?
Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)
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.
Not addressed: 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.
Was this summary accurate? Tell us
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)