PR 295: POA SECURE EXEMPTION FOR OVERSEAS RECRUITS

Since changes to the salary thresholds were introduced in July 2025 by the Government the Prison Service stood to lose over 2500 overseas recruits, mainly from Nigeria and Ghana. The loss of so many frontline Prison Officers would have had a catastrophic effect on prison stability.

Overseas recruits had to earn a minimum of £41700 per year to have the right to work in the UK. The starting salary for Prison Officers is between £32-34k per year.

Since the changes were introduced the POA have been making representations to the Government to grant an exemption to its members who work within the Prison Service.

Commenting on the Government announcement granting an exemption National Chair Mark Fairhurst stated:

“The POA has once again demonstrated its worth to its members. We have been the only union representing frontline Prison Officers and related grades who have placed representations in front of the Government to grant this much needed exemption. I am pleased that this Government has once again listened to the POA and acted upon our concerns and I commend them for this decision. Our members can now go about their daily lives without the threat of removal from the country. This exemption should be granted to all overseas workers who contribute to society and pay their way. It should not matter how much a person earns as long as they contribute. We are not the only sector affected by the restrictive salary thresholds. This is a major victory for the POA.”

General Secretary Steve Gillan added:

“This is a major victory for the POA and one of common sense. The Government have recognised our arguments were constructive and credible. We worked with senior officials in HMPPS and indeed with Senior politicians to get this exemption. It might not be perfect, but it will mean the prison service hopefully can remain stable and we will continue to work with this Labour Government to maintain a safe and credible environment for both staff and those in our care. This is a step in the right direction.”

Ends

 

 

For further information, contact:

POA Press Office 020 8803 0255 Option 7