POA Circulars

Please find enclosed report from Public Health England which was commissioned by CEO Jo Farrar.

It is International Workers Memorial Day today 28th April 2020 and each year all around the world the trade union movement holds a minute silence at 11am to remember those who have lost their lives at work, or from work related injury and diseases. Workers Memorial Day is commemorated around the world and is officially recognised by the UK Government.

The HSE has now provided an email address for unions to report concerns directly to them: Union.Covidconcerns@hse.gov.uk

The POA have been in dialogue with the FBU, PCS and GMB regarding legal action against the Government which has been led by Deputy General Secretary Joe Simpson and have filed Court proceedings on 24th April 2020 as an interested party alongside the 3 other Unions over the Government’s withholding of improved pension benefits from thousands of POA members and hundreds of thousands of public service workers.

We are sure that most Honorary Life Members and Retired Members will be keeping a close watch on the information that the POA are putting out during this COVID-19 pandemic. 

Please find attached Update message from Ronnie Armour the Director General in Northern Ireland. The Director General makes reference to the POA Northern Ireland Area Committee and Ivor Dunne the Area Chairman.

We just wanted to take this opportunity to pass on our thanks, firstly to your Scottish National Committee for the work they are doing on your behalf each day, and ultimately to you the membership for the incredible work you are all doing in dealing with the unprecedented circumstances being faced by everyone inside our Prisons.

We will continue to update you as regularly as we can during these ever-changing times. Please ensure all POA members have access to this circular.

At the time of writing this update I have to report that unfortunately another colleague has sadly lost their battle against COVID-19 and my thoughts and prayers during this tragic time are with family, friends and colleagues. Out of respect I will not be naming our colleague at this moment in time until I am officially permitted to do so.

Enclosed is guidance to follow if staff are threatened by Prisoners who cough or spit at them during the COVID outbreak.