The Prison Officers Association (POA) organised the 24-hour ‘strike’ action, which began midnight on Tuesday, in response to a perceived rise in violent incidents across prisons in the United Kingdom. Courtrooms sat empty yesterday as countless defendants were unable to appear in court without escort or supervision. Among those trials delayed was that of Thomas Mair, the man accused of murdering Labour MP Jo Cox earlier this year.  

Rise in violence

POA general secretary Steve Gillan acknowledged that prison officers are not by law allowed to take part in industrial actions, but conceded yesterday that the walkout would likely be ‘interpreted as a strike’. A spokesperson for the POA commented: ‘The POA has consistently raised the volatile and dangerous state of prisons, as chronic staff shortages and impoverished regimes [have] resulted in staff no longer being safe, a lack of discipline and prisoners taking control of areas.’

Injunction granted

Yesterday, the Government successfully secured an injunction from the High Court ordering the prison officers to return to work. Granting the injunction, Mr Justice Kerr agreed that the action was unlawful and had created a ‘very concerning’ situation across the criminal justice system. Though prison officers will return to work today, a spokesperson for the POA called the action a success as it achieved its primary objective – to secure a meeting with Justice Secretary Liz Truss in the next 48 hours. 

Sources: BBC; Evening Standard