Prison Officers Receive Substantial Payouts After Incidents in Welsh Jails
In recent years, prison officers in Welsh jails have been awarded over £1.4 million in settlements due to injuries sustained while on duty. A detailed analysis revealed that HMP Cardiff saw the highest payout to its employees, amounting to nearly £500,000 within the past five years. The figures, obtained through a Freedom of Information (FoI) request by Accident Claims, encompass settlements provided to current and former staff members at Welsh correctional facilities, including HMP Cardiff, HMP Swansea, HMP Berwyn in Wrexham, and HMP Usk in Monmouthshire between 2019 and 2024.
Notably, the statistics do not cover privately-operated Parc prison in Bridgend, which has been embroiled in controversy over drug-related fatalities and allegations of misconduct. The settlements disclosed include £471,128 for incidents at Cardiff, £438,669 at Berwyn, £325,940 at Usk, and £190,899 at Swansea. Additionally, the FoI response revealed that over the five-year period, there were 32 claims from Berwyn staff, over nine from Swansea, and more than eight from Cardiff. However, specific yearly claim numbers were withheld for ‘data protection’ reasons.
Among the various claims made by individuals who worked at UK prisons were 637 reports of assaults by inmates and 249 cases of injuries sustained while restraining prisoners. Other categories of claims included assault by colleagues, falls from heights, hearing impairments, allergic reactions, and incidents of witnessing self-harm or attempted suicide. The total number of claims per category was not specified. It is worth noting that the UK’s prison population has increased from 43,000 in 1994 to over 88,000 in 2024, while the number of prison officers has remained relatively stable.
On an average day in the UK, prison staff experience around eight assaults by inmates, highlighting the challenging working conditions faced by these individuals. A representative from the Ministry of Justice acknowledged the overcrowding and neglect plaguing the prison system, leading to overstretched staff. The Ministry’s spokesperson emphasised the importance of addressing these issues to enhance prison conditions, reduce the incidence of compensation claims, and optimise the allocation of taxpayer funds.
In response to safety concerns, the Ministry of Justice has deployed measures such as equipping prison officers with synthetic pepper spray PAVA and body cameras to enhance security. The government has also committed to investing in prison maintenance and security infrastructure. JF Law solicitor Lucy Parker underscored the unique and demanding environment in which prison staff operate, emphasising their right to seek compensation in cases of negligence or injury. Parker encouraged prison staff to seek professional legal assistance to ensure fair handling of their claims.
The challenging circumstances faced by prison officers underscore the need for comprehensive support and measures to safeguard their well-being while fulfilling their duties. As the conversation around prison safety and officer protection continues, it is essential for authorities to prioritise the security and welfare of those working within the UK’s correctional facilities.