PRISON STAFF: HOURS

HL Deb 19 December 1988 vol 502 cc1241-2WA

Lord Donaldson of Kingsbridge

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the average total number of hours worked by prison staff in 1987.

Earl Ferrers

Until July 1987, when establishments started to change to Fresh Start, prison officers worked an average of 56 hours per week including overtime. Between July and December, over 100 establishments went on to Fresh Start, with officers working either a 39 or a 48-hour week. In these establishments, over 95 per cent. of officers opted to work the 48-hour week. Governors (Grades I–V) continued to work on an All Hours basis.

Non-industrial civilian staff worked a basic 37-hour week (36 hours inside London) and industrial staff generally worked 39 hours. In addition, some civilian staff worked overtime.