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<p>Up until the end of 2011-12 information was collected on the average hours per
weekday that prisoners were unlocked. By subtracting the average hours unlocked from
the 24 hours in a day it is possible to estimate hours spent locked in cell. Figures
for each prison establishment for the three years from 2009-10 to 2011-12 have been
placed in the library of the House.</p><p> </p><p>It should be noted that time in
cell includes hours when prisoners are asleep. Time unlocked includes time where a
prisoner is either out of their cell or where the cell door is unlocked allowing them
to move freely in and out of the cell.</p><p> </p><p>Figures have been drawn from
administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject
to possible errors with data entry and processing.</p><p> </p><p>Figures for time
in cell for the years 2012-13 and 2013-14 could only be obtained at disproportionate
cost.</p><p> </p><p>Work in prisons is a key priority to ensure prisoners are engaged
purposefully whilst they are in custody. It also gives them the opportunity to learn
skills and a work ethic which can increase their chances of finding employment on
release, a key element to reducing reoffending.</p><p> </p><p>The number of prisoners
working in industrial activity across public sector prisons increased from around
8,600 in 2010-11 (the first year for which figures are available) to around 9,700
in 2012-13. This delivered an increase in the total hours worked in industrial activities
from 10.6 million hours to 13.1 million hours. Private sector prisons have also been
supporting this agenda and have reported that they delivered over 1½ million prisoner
working hours in commercial and industrial workshops in 2012-13 which provided work
for over 1,200 prisoners.</p><p> </p><p>In addition there are substantial numbers
of prisoners who work to keep prisons running on tasks such as cooking, serving meals,
maintenance and cleaning.</p><p> </p><p>Figures for public sector prisons are published
in the NOMS Annual Report Management Information Addendum:<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/225225/mi-addendum.pdf"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/225225/mi-addendum.pdf</a></p><p>
</p><p>The establishment-level breakdown of weekly hours worked is not available centrally
for 2011-12 and 2012-13 and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.</p><p>
</p><p>Information on hours worked during 2013-14 is scheduled for publication on
31 July.</p><p> </p><p>Information on the proportion of prisoners classed as unemployed
is not available centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.</p><p>
</p><p>Our reforms to the Incentives and Earned Privileges national policy framework
came into effect in adult prisons on 1 November 2013. Prisoners will be expected to
engage in purposeful activity, as well as demonstrate a commitment towards their rehabilitation,
reduce their risk of reoffending, behave well and help others if they are to earn
privileges.</p><p> </p>
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