Before Christmas, I called on the UK Government to provide information on their review into pension provision for prison officers.
During Justice Questions in the House of Commons in December, I asked the UK Government for news on their working group established to review these provisions, when this review would be published, what proposals have been recommended, and how Labour intend to act as a result.
I’m a long terms supporter of the Prison Officers’ Association’s campaign ‘68 Is Too Late’ which focuses on a fairer retirement age for prison officers as being set at 60 rather than 68. I’ve spoken on this issue a number of times in Parliament as well as meeting with the former Work and Pensions Minister, Stephen Timms MP and the former Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Justice, Sir Nick Dakin MP, to discuss prison officers feedback on the injustice of this late pension age given that afforded to fire fighters and the police who perform similar frontline duties.
In a recent reply from the Minister of State for Prisons, Parole and Probation, Lord James Timpson, to an enquiry on this issue from the North-east MP, the Minister stated that the UK Government had no plans to relook at the pension age set with the CSPS due to remedies put in place in 2022 as well as the cost to the public purse.
However, Lord Timpson did highlight that senior ministry officials had been commissioned to investigate potential options that would not require pension reform but allow prison officers to draw their unreduced pension at a lower age than their State Pension Age. One of the options being investigated was a package that the Ministry of Defence have in place for their police and Fire Rescue Services.
An internal working group was due to report back to minsters with further advice around October 2025 but no news has been forthcoming on its recommendations.
Given the strength of feeling from prison officers on the unfairness of their pension provision, it is imperative that the UK Government feedback the recommendations from this working group as soon as possible.
A recent survey by the Prison Officers Association shows just how desperate many feel at having to work well beyond 60 given the reality of the difficulties and dangers they face in their roles on a daily basis across the UK. I’m hopeful that the package available to the MOD could set in motion an option for a more just and equal pension opportunity for prison officers as highlighted by Lord Timpson.
I have now written to Baroness Levitt, who has replaced Sir Nic Dakin in his role at the Justice Office, highlighting my interest in reading these findings and I look forward to hearing back from her. I have also signed a recent Early Day Motion to Parliament that highlights the report from the POA on their campaign to amend the retirement age.
’68 Is Too Late’ is an important cause that enjoys cross-party support as well as that of the Scottish Government. While in opposition, Labour supported it too. It is now up to them to right the wrongs of this injustice for hard working prison officers at the end of their long service in the justice system.
