PR 313: MINISTER'S DEPARTURE MUST MARK A NEW BEGINNING FOR PRISON OFFICERS

The Prison Officers' Association (POA) today thanked the outgoing Prisons Minister, Lord Timpson, for the constructive engagement he showed with the union during his time in office, while calling on the Government to seize the opportunity presented by his departure to finally deliver workplace justice and dignity for Prison Officers.

Throughout his tenure, Lord Timpson maintained a dialogue with the POA and demonstrated a willingness to engage with the serious challenges facing the prison service. The union wishes him well for the future.

However, the POA said a change in ministerial leadership within the new Andy Burnham government must now lead to a change in delivery on the issues that matter most to the frontline staff who keep the public safe every day.

The union is urging the new incoming Prime Minister to once and for all right the wrongs imposed on Prison Officers, including reducing the ridiculous retirement age of 68 years old and restoring the right to strike for Prison Officers.

POA General Secretary, Steve Gillan, said:

"We thank Lord Timpson for engaging with the POA and for taking the time to listen to the concerns of our members. While we did not always agree, there was a constructive dialogue, and we appreciate the commitment he showed during an exceptionally challenging period for our prisons.

"However, Lord Timpson’s departure now provides the new Burnham Government with a unique opportunity to reset its relationship with Prison Officers and finally deliver the workplace justice and dignity our members have been denied for far too long.

"Prison officers work in one of the most hostile and dangerous working environments anywhere in the world. They protect the public, maintain order in our prisons and help rehabilitate offenders, yet they continue to be treated differently from other uniformed services. That cannot continue."

POA National Chair, Mark Fairhurst, said:

"Lord Timpson’s replacement as Prison Minister must hit the ground running and address the long-standing injustices facing our members.

“Prison Officers must have their fundamental right to withdraw their labour restored. The right to strike is recognised internationally as a basic human right. Scotland restored that right more than a decade ago, and there has not been a single day lost to industrial action. There is simply no justification for Prison Officers in England and Wales continuing to be denied rights enjoyed by workers in any civilised democracy.

"Secondly, the new Burnham Government must end the absurdity of expecting Prison Officers to work until the age of 68. Asking men and women to continue working on the frontline of increasingly violent, overcrowded and understaffed prisons until they are nearly 70 is unfair, irresponsible and dangerous. Prison officers should have the option of retiring at 60, in line with other uniformed services.

"If ministers are serious about tackling the recruitment and retention crisis in our prisons, they must start by valuing the people who keep those prisons running. Workplace justice, dignity at work, a fair retirement age and the restoration of basic employment rights are not unreasonable demands - they are essential if the prison service is to recruit and retain the experienced officers it desperately needs.

"The Government now has the chance to demonstrate that it values Prison Officers not just with warm words but with meaningful action. Our members deserve nothing less."

ENDS

For further information, contact:

POA Press Office 020 8803 0255 Option 7