Press Releases

The results of a survey of the UKs Prison Officers has called for immediate action to address the unjust retirement age of staff working in dangerous, overcrowded and understaffed jails across the UK. 

Commenting on the statement made by David Lammy MP, Secretary of State for Justice, Steve Gillan General Secretary of the Prison Officers' Association said:

“The issues highlighted at HMP Leeds are a prime example of the crisis our members are having to cope with across the Prison Estate.

Steve Gillan has been chosen to lead the TUC for the next year. The first General Secretary of the POA to be chosen for this prestigious position, testament to the standing that the POA has within the Trade Union movement.

Violence and exposure to traumatic incidents is a daily experience for Prison Officers in England and Wales and the situation is getting worse according to the latest statistics published by the Ministry of Justice. 

The union representing the UK's 35,000 prison officers has welcomed the trial introduction of tasers in prisons.

Detention Custody Officers at the Gatwick Immigration Removal Centres are celebrating a major victory following the outcome of an employment tribunal case.

The appalling state of HMP Pentonville is one of the clearest examples of the crisis facing the country’s prisons a union leader has said. 

"Our Prison staff work in some of the most hostile workplaces in Western Europe, which is why the POA has long called for better protective equipment for our members.

Responding to the report from Independent Sentencing Review chaired by former Lord Chancellor, David Gauke, Steve Gillan, General Secretary of the POA said: