POA Circulars

As you are aware the NEC are committed to the continued training and development of local Branch Officials.

The NEC were informed by the Director General Phil Copple on 20th December 2021, that due to the infection rate of Omicron and the risk it posed within our Prisons HMPPS had been advised by UKHSA (United Kingdom Health Security Agency- formerly Public Health England PHE), that it may be necessary to mandate the testing of all HMPPS employees working in our Prisons for Covid.

Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all POA members

The OSG Consultative ballot concluded on the 13th December 2021 and the Scrutineer and Teller attended Cronin House on 14th December 2021 to conduct the count and verify the ballot.

The POA are delighted to announce a further expansion of member benefits in the form of discounts to members and retired members available through the UR Benefits portal.

Further to POA Circular 98/2021 which outlines the indicative ballot timetable and why we are consulting with our OSG members in relation to pay and whether you wish to consider industrial action up to and including strike action.

The POA is looking for delegates to attend the following 4 TUC Equality Conferences 2022.

As you are aware the POA NEC have been briefing cross party MPs and Lords on issues that affect POA members in relation to the above proposed Bill.

As I am sure POA members recognise by law, Prison Officers in England/Wales service along with Prison Officers in Northern Ireland cannot be asked to take industrial action by the POA National Executive Committee or induced by any other individual.

Continuing with our IT improvement programme where the POA have been evolving our services we provide for members, the POA are starting to roll out the self-service module of our membership system.