Prisoners' pay
Wednesday, 30 Apr 2008 10:19
Plans to increase the pay levels of inmates in Britain's prisons have been shelved just one day before they were due to be introduced.
Gordon Brown made the announcement this morning and it was confirmed by the Ministry of Justice.
Prisoners receive a minimum £4 an hour at present but had been due to get a rise to £5.50 per hour under the plans.
Lobby groups have attacked the reversal on the grounds that work is an important part of rehabilitation for inmates.
But the government is saying it plans wider changes to the prison system through the creation of a new 'prisoners' contract'.
Earlier this week a senior officer at the Prisoner Officers' Association (POA) accused the government of letting inmates enjoy a "cushy" lifestyle.
He claimed a "massive shortfall" in staff was undermining the prison system, leaving many inmates spending too much time locked in their cells.
Today's announcement means the debate about the problems with Britain's prison system goes on.
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