Target of 2,500 more prison officers hit early

The Government has recruited 2,500 extra prison officers, hitting a target seven months ahead of schedule.

Figures published today show a net increase of 3,111 prison officers employed between October 2016 and March 2018. It is expected that 90 per cent of the recruits will work on prison landings by the summer, with all operational by the end of the year.

David Gauke, the Justice Secretary, is thought to want the recruitment drive to continue despite hitting the target early.

Steve Gillan, of the Prison Officers’ Association, said the service remained in crisis, struggling to make up for redundancies that took place in 2012.