Richard Burgon MP, Shadow Justice Secretary, responding to today’s Prison Workforce Data, said:
“The Tories’ decision to axe thousands of prison officers created a crisis in our prisons.
“Despite a so-called recruitment drive, the overall picture remains concerning. There are still over 5,600 fewer frontline officers than in since 2010 and a quarter of prisons have still seen officer numbers fall in the last year, including some of the most dangerous offenders and those that the MoJ itself rates as being of concern.
“It’s no wonder the exodus of experienced prison staff under the Tories continues, with the leaving rate up three fold since 2010. The Conservatives’ risible offer of yet another real terms pay cut for prison officers will only make it more difficult to retain prison officers. Labour will tackle this crisis in retention by scrapping the unfair public sector pay cap.”
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