Prison Service Pay Review Body reports on prison pay
21 July 2009
The eighth report of the Prison Service Pay Review Body (PSPRB) is being published today.
The report makes recommendations on the pay of Governing governors and other operational managers, prison officers and related support grades in public sector prisons in England and Wales in 2009. Copies have been laid in the Vote Office and the Library of the House. The recommendations include:
- a 1.8% consolidated increase to the maximum of the Operational Support Grade, Prison Officer and Principal Officer pay scales and the Senior Officer single pay point
- a 1.5% consolidated increase to the maximum of Manager and Senior Manager pay ranges and compression of pay ranges.
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, said of the recommendations:
‘I am pleased that we have been able to accept the Pay Review Body’s recommendations in full, resulting in over £40 million to be invested in pay for operational staff next year. It has been a significant achievement by the Review Body to report so swiftly following the rejection of our modernisation proposals earlier this year.
‘The government value greatly the work of prison staff, which I know is challenging, demanding and sometimes dangerous and the government’s evidence sought a consolidated pay rise for staff despite challenging economic circumstances. The award arising from the Pay Review Body’s recommendations is consistent with the government’s inflation target which will help contribute to low and stable inflation, macroeconomic stability and economic growth to the benefit of all.
‘This settlement in a period of difficult economic circumstances again demonstrates our commitment to the independent Pay Review Body process which combines financial discipline with fairness in pay. The process allows delivery of both a sustainable, affordable pay award and an increase to staff.’
Director General Phil Wheatley said:
‘I welcome the Pay Review Body’s recommendations for pay this year and the government’s decision to accept the recommendations in full and I encourage all staff to read the Pay Review Body’s report. NOMS and its staff continue to perform well under challenging circumstances; factors which I know the Pay Review Body take into account very seriously in reaching their recommendations.
‘Given the likelihood of difficult financial circumstances over the next few years, the report has again reiterated the importance of reaching agreement on a way forward to modernise our pay and grading structures and they are expecting to see us make continued progress on this issue.’
Notes to editors
- This is the eighth report of the Prison Service Pay Review Body (PSPRB).
- The role of the PSPRB is to provide independent advice on the remuneration of Governing governors and other operational managers, prison officers and unified support grades within its remit in the England and Wales Prison Service. The overall number of staff within this remit group at 31 March 2009 was just under 36,000.
- From March 2005, the PSPRB has been chaired by Jerry Cope. Jerry Cope is former Managing Director of the Royal Mail, having joined the corporation in 1973. He chairs the Kingston University Board of Governors and formerly chaired the London Regional Educational Council.
- The full report is available on the Office of Manpower Economics website
- For further information please call the Ministry of Justice Press Office on 020 3334 3536.
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