PRISON STAFF TO NET A PAY HIKE

THOUSANDS of prison officers will receive a pay rise as the Government attempts to address the jail safety crisis.

Union chiefs have warned of low morale, and the £12million package announced by Justice Secretary Liz Truss will look to improve recruitment and retention of staff amid surging levels of violence behind bars in England and Wales.

Staff at 31 establishments in London and the South East, including Pentonville, Wormwood Scrubs and Belmarsh, will see their annual pay increase by up to £5,000. New recruits will also get higher starting salaries of up to £29,500.

Mrs Truss said: “I want frontline staff to know that their work, experience and loyal service is valued. We also want to attract the best new talent.”