In a report published earlier this week, HM Inspectorate for Prisons warns that staffing at the prison would be impacted ‘heavily’ if the issues were not resolved at a national level
G Wing at HMP Liverpool.(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Prison staff at HMP Liverpool are “in danger of losing their visas” as a watchdog warns the situation is causing “significant anxiety”. Changes to Home Office rules means many of the 42 prison officers recently recruited from overseas are under threat of losing their right to work in the UK.
In a report published earlier this week, HM Inspectorate for Prisons warns that staffing at the prison would be impacted “heavily” if the issues were not resolved at a national level.
In the report, inspectors wrote: “Many of the 42 officers recently recruited from overseas were in danger of losing their visas to work in the UK due to recent changes introduced by the Home Office.
“This was creating significant anxiety for those staff involved and would impact heavily on staffing levels if these issues are not resolved at a national level.”
Several shortcomings were identified in the report on the Walton jail, with prisoners described as spending their sentences “lying on their beds watching daytime TV and taking drugs to pass the time”, as gangs “continuously” target the prison with drones carrying drugs and other contraband.
Some of the prison buildings were described as “old and dilapidated” after a “thorough” refurbishment of the prison stalled when the firm contracted to do the work went bust last year.
The government said it had “inherited a prison system in crisis”, and that it was investing £40m in new security measures this year, including £10m on anti-drone measures such as exterior netting and reinforced windows.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “This government inherited a prison system in crisis – with drugs and violence rife. While we welcome inspectors’ recognition of HMP Liverpool’s progress to drive down violence, we acknowledge there is more to do.
“We are taking action by investing £40m in new security measures this year alone to clamp down on the contraband that fuels violence behind bars – including £10m on anti-drone measures such as exterior netting and reinforced windows.
“On top of this, the prison is taking immediate action to support staff through bolstered training and mentoring.”
Do you have experience of HMP Liverpool? Contact jonathan.blackburn@reachplc.com
