§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements are made for trades union representation in each of the private sector prisons; what arrangements are planned for future private prison projects; and if he will make a statement. [32576]
§ Ms QuinTrade union representation at privately managed prisons for both custodial and non-custodial staff is a matter for their employer, subject to the law governing trade union recognition, and to section 127 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
Premier Prison Services, which manages Doncaster and Lowdham Grange prisons, have works councils elected by staff.
At Altcourse, Buckley Hall and the Wolds prisons, staff may join the APEX Partnership, which is recognised by Group 4, the contractor. The APEX Partnership is a sister union of the General Municipal Boilermakers and Allied Trade Union.
At Pare prison, managed by Securicor, there is a staff association.