Disturbance ‘highlights violent and hostile workplace’ for jail staff

JAIL STAFF in England and Wales are employed in the most violent and hostile workplace in western Europe, the head of the Prison Officers Association (POA) has claimed.

POA national chairman Mark Fairhurst delivered the stark assessment after a disturbance at a high-security jail left six officers injured. Trouble erupted at HMP Long Lartin on Sunday.

It is understood the disorder was confined to one wing of the Worcestershire jail and began at about 9.30am before being brought under control by around 6pm after specialist “Tornado” personnel were deployed.

Seven prisoners have been placed in isolation ahead of transfer to other facilities.

MrFairhurstsaid:“Mythoughts are with the injured staff who should be able to perform their duties without the fear of being assaulted. This incident yet again highlights the intolerable working conditions POA members endure in the most violent and hostile workplace in western Europe.

“We need staffing levels restored to pre-austerity levels... and an investment in our prisons that ensures decent living and working conditions.”

A Prison Service spokesman said: “Violence in prison is never tolerated and our prison officers do vital and important work, which is why we have doubled the sentences for those who attack them.

“We have given prison staff the biggest pay rise in a decade and are rolling out body-worn cameras, ‘police-style’ handcuffs and restraints, and trialling PAVA incapacitant spray to ensure they have the tools they need to do the job safely.”