§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Prison Service will implement the recommendations of the Independent Review Body concerning pay for operational managers, prison officers and related grades. [40714]
§ Beverley HughesThe report of the Prison Service Pay Review Body (PSPRB) on the pay of governing governors and operational managers, prison officers and related grades in England and Wales in 2002 was published on 30 January 2002 and copies placed in the Library.
The PSPRB has recommended a basic rise of 6 per cent. over a 15 month period. This is a significant award which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary (Mr. Blunkett) has decided will be implemented in full. The locality allowances to Prison Service staff in eligible areas in London and the south-east will be increased immediately by the full amount recommended, with effect from 1 January 2002. The general award will be paid in two steps, 3.5 per cent. backdated to 1 January 2002; the remainder in January 2003.
The key recommendations are:
a 6 per cent. increase to basic pay rates over the 15 month period covered by the report;rates of local pay allowance paid to staff in London and parts of the south-east will be increased with effect from 1 January 2002 by:
- £500 to £3,500 per annum for the top rate
- £400 to £2,300 per annum for the middle rate
- £200 to £1,000 per annum for the lower rate.
Current arrangements for the performance pay of operational managers will remain unchanged. Various special allowances will be raised in line with the basic award.