Figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats show that the Prison Service lost 589,471 working days during 2005/06 due to sickness, an average of more than twelve sick days a year for each member of staff.

The statistics were revealed today by Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson, Lynne Featherstone MP.

She said:

“As the prison population continues to soar, it is no wonder that prison staff feel overburdened. The Government needs to shift its focus from chasing headlines to its front line services and the staff they depend on.

“With working conditions for prison staff having deteriorated to such a low, how will they be motivated to help prisoners break the vicious cycle of re-offending?

“As the prison population continues to expand, stress and sickness amongst beleaguered staff is only going to increase.”

Notes:

The statement was obtained through a written parliamentary question where the Secretary of State for the Home Department was asked to reply directly to Lynne Featherstone MP.

During 2005/06 the number of working days lost due to sickness absence was 589,471 among prison staff. The Home Office 2006 Departmental Report lists 46,128 Prison Service staff.