Scottish prison service struggles with unprecedented staff sickness rates, raising concerns about safety and operational efficiency
Glasgow: Scotland’s prison service is really in a tough spot right now. They’re dealing with a record number of staff going off sick, and it’s causing some serious concerns.
In just the first ten months of last year, over 65,000 working days were lost due to illness. That’s a lot of time! Staff are feeling worn out and overwhelmed.
Phil Fairlie from the Prison Officers Association pointed out that mental health issues are a big part of the problem. But musculoskeletal injuries are also a major reason for staff absences. It’s tough work, and many are feeling the strain.
These officers have been on the front lines for years, breaking up fights and responding to alarms. It’s no wonder they’re feeling tired and some are even breaking down. Expecting them to keep this up into their 60s? That’s just crazy.
Last year, the Scottish Prison Service saw 65,719 sick days among its 4,900 staff. That’s a huge jump from previous years. It’s clear that something needs to change before it gets worse.
Fairlie mentioned that overcrowding and violence in prisons are definitely factors, but it’s not the whole story. With so many staff out sick, the ones who are left have to work longer hours and take on extra shifts just to keep things running.
Barlinnie in Glasgow had the highest number of sick days last year, followed by Glenochil and HMP Edinburgh. It’s a real mess.
Scottish Labour’s Pauline McNeill is calling on the SNP government to step up and protect public safety. She believes staff need better support to do their jobs effectively.
On the other hand, Scottish Conservative Liam Kerr warned that the situation will only get worse if more staff are absent or leave. It’s a tough cycle.
The SPS is aware of the issue and is trying to help. They’ve signed up for a project to promote wellbeing among emergency responders and are offering support through their employee assistance program.
A spokesperson from the Scottish Government acknowledged the challenges and emphasized the need for a safe working environment for prison staff. It’s a tough job, and they’re trying to make it better.
Stay updated with the latest news from Scotland and beyond by signing up for our daily newsletter!
