COVID-19

The POA since March 2020 have worked collaboratively with HMPPS and other employers to find solutions in keeping prisoners and staff safe during the pandemic.

We are now able to confirm the extent of lockdown restrictions that will come into effect from today in Prisons in England. We have included Public Health England Advice for clarity.

The restrictions announced by the Prime Minister on 31st October 2020, which affect England come into force on Thursday 5th November 2020.

Please be aware of the following guidance that has been issued to Governors, ensuring that you adhere to the newly imposed restrictions on social visits.

HMPPS have agreed that if staff choose to wear a face mask whilst on duty, in any area, at any time, they may do so. This will be personal choice and no permission is needed.

The COVID-19 Healthcare Support Appeal (CHSA) is a new, time-limited charity which makes grants to organisations that are supporting health care staff who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on hardship and psychological support.

As local committees continue to work on Exceptional Delivery Models that will progress regimes from level 3 to level 2, we should remain vigilant to the threat of COVID in our secure settings.

New Guidance has been published which is available on the Intranet. The document is entitled: Guidance for the Support and Management of those Staff who are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable, those Living with the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable and the Clinically Vulnerable.

The UK Government has recently mandated the use of face coverings in certain settings. However, in making this announcement, they also acknowledged that a small number of individuals may have legitimate reasons for not adhering to the requirement.

As an interested party in this consultation the POA as the recognised trade union were invited to put our submission in by the Secretary of State Robert Buckland QC MP.