CIRC 038: NATIONAL CHAIR UPDATE APRIL 2026

Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all POA members.

 

Update on Immigration Status

The NEC have been working tirelessly to ensure our oversees colleagues gain concessions that enable them to remain in the service. The following has been agreed:

HMPPS have announced:

On the 8^th April 2026, we have agreed a new concession with the Home Office. This will support our continued ability to sponsor Prison Officers while the temporary exemption remains in place. Now this change has been implemented, HMPPS will be able to sponsor eligible Prison Officers whose existing immigration permission expires after the 30^th April 2026, in line with the agreed exemption.

What has changed (salary threshold mitigation)

The Home Office has agreed that, for the purposes of this temporary exemption, Prison Officers will be assessed against a salary threshold of £31,600, which applies for the duration of the salary‑related concession until 31 December 2027 (subject to routine updates each spring and the findings of the Migration Advisory Committee).This mitigates the risk that the routine annual uplift to Skilled Worker salary thresholds (aligned to ONS statistics) could otherwise reduce the practical benefit of the exemption for newly recruited or lower-paid Prison Officers outside London.  

What remains unchanged (timeframe and scope)

The exemption’s timeframe remains unchanged from what was previously shared. Specifically, the exemption continues to apply:

• temporarily until the 31^st December 2026 for the skills-related elements of the exemption
• with the salary-related concession applying until the 31^st December 2027 (subject to routine updates each spring and the findings of the Migration Advisory Committee)
• only to Prison Officers (and Prison Custody Officers in private prisons where applicable), and not to other roles in the Ministry of Justice or its agencies
• Prison Officers who need visa sponsorship to continue working can apply for sponsorship through the RMO. Applications will continue to be prioritised for those most at risk of losing their right to work imminently.
• Under this further concession, eligible prison officers will now be assessed against the £31,600 salary threshold for the purposes of this temporary exemption.
• For sponsorship applications, email the RMO: Resourcing-Management-Office@justice.gov.uk
• For right to work queries: RTW.Enquiries@justice.gov.uk
• For HR queries: contact your local HR Business Partner in the first instance.

 

Right to strike campaign

All POA members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are encouraged to email their local MP in order to get their support to reinstate the right to strike for Prison Officers. Please access the enclosed link and take a few seconds to add your name and click a button to send the email. Your co-operation is gratefully appreciated:

https://tinyurl.com/POA-Right-to-Strike

 

Pay Review Body Prison Visits

For information, the PSPRB will be visiting the following establishments this year as part of its annual visit programme:

• HMP Berwyn
• HMP Hewell
• HMP Huntercombe
• HMP & YOI Isis
• HMP Leicester
• HMP Nottingham
• HMP Rye Hill
• HMP Whitemoor

They will also be holding virtual sessions with the following groups of staff:

• Physical Education Instructors (one session)
• Band 10 and 11 Governors (two sessions)
• Band 12 Prison Group Directors (one session)

 

Pay Award

HMPPS have confirmed the following;

“Payroll provider capacity means that we now intend to implement the 2026/27 PSPRB award in June salaries.”

Staff will therefore receive their 2026/27 pay award in Junes pay packet, backdated to April 1^st.

 

POA Member Benefit

Hilton Hotels provide the POA with business customer benefits that can be accessed by all POA members. In order to register and start enjoying discounted rates please access the enclosed link:

https://www.hilton.com/en/business/invite/vNc8tZGrASFHreYphqA5J4Wn6nox3833kw8rZzo0FYN8BAV09Fd1YfoTRyuO6YsaHbPRwdQD8vsr0xtHsszVPA

 

All the best.

 

Mark Fairhurst
National Chair