Pay rise for officers in bid to ease prisons crisis

Thousands of prison officers will receive a pay rise in a drive to boost staffing levels as the Government attempts to solve the jail safety crisis.

Frontline personnel in London and the South East will earn up to £5,000 more under a £12 million package announced by Liz Truss, the Justice Secretary. The recruitment drive comes amid surging levels of violence in jails. Staff at 31 establishments will be given annual pay rises between £3,000 and £5,000. New recruits will also receive higher starting salaries.