Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent discussions he has had with recognised trade unions on the effect on prison officer morale of his Department’s decision not to implement Recommendation 3 as outlined in the Prison Service Pay Review Body’s Nineteenth Report on England and Wales 2020.

I am grateful to recognised trade unions for continued engagement and collaboration on issues relevant to the prison workforce. It is vital, particularly in the current circumstances, that we continue to work together.

In addition to ongoing engagement between my officials and the recognised trade unions on prison pay, the Lord Chancellor met with our colleagues at the Prison Officers Association on 28^th January to discuss the 2020-21 pay award. Staff morale - amongst other relevant matters such as government affordability, adequate investment into safety and security, professionalisation and leadership, and staff wellbeing - has of course been fundamental to those discussions throughout.

I recognise the decision to reject ‘recommendation 3’ will have been disappointing for our staff, however the decision taken is not a comment on the value of staff and their hard work.

I welcome engagement from recognised trade unions with the Prison Service Pay Review Body to best inform recommendations for prison pay going forward.