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<p>The recently published White Paper on prison reform announced a major shake-up
of the prison system with 2,500 extra prisons officers and new security measures to
tackle drones, phones and drugs. This is a key priority for the Government as we seek
to make sure our prisons are safe, decent and secure and places of reform. Safe systems
of work and health and safety systems are in place across the prison estate to ensure
that staff work in an environment that is as safe and secure as possible and that
they are supported to deal with the challenges of working with offenders.</p><p> </p><p>The
Prison Service has systems in place to deal with perpetrators quickly and robustly,
with serious incidents referred to the police for prosecution. We are working with
the Police and Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that prisoners who assault staff
are charged wherever possible and punished appropriately. We are comprehensively reviewing
how we manage violence in prisons, with a view to introducing further improvements
to ensure prisons are safer places for everyone. This will provide Governors/Directors
with the tools to create safer prison environments and to help reduce re-offending.</p><p>
</p><p>In December 2016 the Government made a pay and pensions offer to the Prison
Officers Association (POA) which included a proposed reduction in the effective pension
age, which would allow officers to retire at 65. Unfortunately POA members voted to
reject this deal and therefore the pension age has remain unchanged. The Prison Service
regularly meet with all of the Unions representing staff in the prisons and probation
services and is committed to continued constructive dialogue on all matters, including
pensions and remuneration.</p>
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