House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Update to Government response to the Prison Service Pay Review Body recommendations 20/21
10 December 2020 · Ministry of Justice
Proposed by Lucy Frazer Con South East Cambridgeshire
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- UK Government has decided not to accept recommendation 3 of the PSPRB report for the 2020-21 period.
- Prison staff will receive an above-inflation pay rise of at least 2% for a third consecutive year.
- The Minister will seek advice from the PSPRB on prison pay for the next year, 2021/22, as per the Chancellor's statement.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the UK government's final decision on the Prison Service Pay Review Body (PSPRB) recommendations for 2020-21, specifically regarding a £3,000 increase for Band 3 prison staff.
Action requested
The Minister announces that due to affordability challenges and changing economic conditions, the Government has decided not to accept recommendation 3 of the PSPRB report. However, prison staff will still receive an above-inflation pay rise of at least 2% for a third consecutive year. The Minister also states that they will seek advice from the PSPRB on prison pay for the next year (2021/22) in line with the Chancellor's statement.
Key facts
- The Prison Service Pay Review Body reported its recommendations earlier this summer.
- Recommendation 3 proposes a £3,000 increase for Band 3 prison staff, representing between 14 and 21% rise.
- This group comprises around one third of the prison service workforce.
- The recommendation presents affordability challenges due to exceptional costs and is out of step with other public sector workforces.