Private Prison Seeks Zero-Hours Custody Officers

HMP Millsike, a category C prison located near York and operated by the outsourcing company Mitie, is facing pressure to halt its recruitment of custody officers on zero-hours contracts. This move marks the first instance of such contracts being offered for prisoner escort roles within England and Wales' prison estate. The prison, which has a capacity for 1,500 prisoners, has posted online advertisements seeking individuals for prisoner escort positions at a rate of £25 per hour, described as being "on a flexible, task-based basis." This initiative has drawn strong opposition from the Prison Officers’ Association (POA), a union representing prison officers. The POA has expressed significant concerns regarding the implications of employing custody officers on zero-hours contracts, particularly in the context of escorting prisoners. The union argues that such employment arrangements could compromise safety and security within the prison system due to the inherent lack of guaranteed hours and potentially inconsistent staffing levels. The recruitment drive by HMP Millsike comes amidst reported staff shortages within the prison service, a challenge that has been cited as a contributing factor to the adoption of flexible employment models. The situation has prompted calls for intervention from Andy Burnham, a prominent political figure, who is being urged to address the matter. The use of zero-hours contracts in this capacity raises questions about employment standards, worker rights, and the potential impact on the professionalization of the custody officer role. The POA's strong stance indicates a significant disagreement over the appropriate employment framework for individuals responsible for the secure movement and supervision of incarcerated individuals. The outsourcing company, Mitie, operates HMP Millsike under contract, and its decision to advertise these roles on a flexible, task-based arrangement is at the center of the controversy. The broader implications for the private prison sector and the public correctional service are being closely watched, as this development could set a precedent for future staffing strategies in correctional facilities across the United Kingdom. The union's opposition is rooted in the belief that a stable, well-trained, and consistently available workforce is paramount for maintaining order and safety within prisons. The introduction of zero-hours contracts for custody officers is seen by the POA as a potential erosion of these critical standards, particularly when dealing with the sensitive task of prisoner escorts.