Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many sick days absences were recorded by prison staff in (a) 2021, (b) 2022 and (c) 2023.

The number of working days lost by HMPPS staff by group is published every quarter in Table 18 of the “HM Prison and Probation Service workforce statistics” publication. The main publication can be accessed via this link: www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-offender-management-service-workforce-statistics. The latest accompanying tables are here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6554ab3750475b000dc5b614/hmpps-workforce-statistics-tables-sep-2023.ods.

HMPPS is focused on reducing its sickness absence rates through the support currently offered to staff and managers, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides the workforce with access to confidential support & counselling services. This is in addition to the organisation’s Occupational Health Service that supports staff & management with medical advice, and HMPPS’ multitude of staff networks that are part of HMPPS’ commitment to ensuring our staff feel supported in their roles.

HMPPS are actively reviewing their approach to staff wellbeing to strengthen the wellbeing offer. Managers support employees who are unwell and are provided HR casework support to appropriately manage employee absence in line with established policies & procedures.