Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 22 July 2019 to Question 277660 on Prisons: Staff, whether absence due to (a) stress, (b) post-traumatic stress disorder, (c) depression, (d) exposure to new psychoactive substances, and (e) other mental-health problems are considered work-related illnesses.

Absences due to stress, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression and other mental health problems can all be caused by work-related issues, such as trauma. All of these absences can also be as a result of personal matters and causes that have no connection with work.

HMPPS offers staff 24/7 access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) helpline which can be used for issues related to either work or home. The helpline is strictly confidential, and reports are not shared with employees’ manager or Department. Employees can also refer themselves for confidential counselling for work-related reasons or any other reasons. CBT and EMDR therapies are offered to staff who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder caused by work-related trauma.

We are introducing Trauma Risk Management (TRiM), currently used effectively by the police, ambulance and fire services, to identify and signpost those staff to ensure they get the support they require. This approach has been trialled in the 10 prisons project with much success and this is planned to roll out to prisons, over the next two years.

Absences caused by exposure to new psychoactive substances (NPS) can be as a result of exposure at work or elsewhere. Any staff who are exposed to toxic substances while at work are directed to emergency medical treatment as appropriate. Should this result in absence from work they are referred to Occupational Health by their line manager and any necessary work adjustments will be made. Staff can also self-refer to EAP for counselling.

We are investing an extra £70 million in making prisons more secure and decent, and are giving officers tools like PAVA pepper spray and body-worn cameras to make their jobs safer. This includes £16 million to improve conditions for prisoners and staff and £7 million on new security measures such as body scanners to bring down levels of drugs and violence.