Barlinnie prison staff in Glasgow reported over 9000 sick days, raising concerns about the impact on safety and operations within the facility
Glasgow: Barlinnie prison staff have taken a staggering 9,125 sick days, which is the highest in Scotland. This situation has raised alarms about the overall health of the prison system.
In just the first ten months of last year, over 65,000 working days were lost due to illness. Staff are feeling worn out and overwhelmed, which is really concerning.
Phil Fairlie from the Prison Officers Association mentioned that besides mental health issues, many staff are dealing with injuries from the physically demanding work they do. It’s tough when you’re overworked and tired.
These officers have been breaking up fights and responding to alarms for years, and it’s taking a toll on them. Expecting them to keep this up into their 60s seems unreasonable, and it’s something the government needs to tackle.
He warned that this situation is a ticking time bomb for the prisons, which could affect their ability to function properly. The overcrowding and rising violence are definitely part of the problem, but there’s more to it.
Interestingly, with so many staff off sick, the remaining officers are having to work longer hours and take on extra shifts just to keep things running smoothly.
Glenochil prison came in second for sick days with 8,459, followed by HMP Edinburgh with 6,934. It’s clear that this is a widespread issue.
Scottish Labour’s Pauline McNeill said the government needs to step up and ensure that staff get the support they need to keep everyone safe.
On the other hand, Liam Kerr from the Scottish Conservatives pointed out that the more staff who are absent, the harder it gets for those who are still there.
The Scottish Prison Service acknowledged the problem and mentioned that while they’re increasing staff numbers, they’re also focused on supporting those who are struggling.
They’ve even partnered with NHS Lothian to promote wellbeing among emergency responders, which is a step in the right direction.
A spokesperson from the Scottish Government emphasized the importance of creating a safe working environment for prison staff, acknowledging the challenges they face daily.
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