Community signs recognition agreement with Mitie Care & Custody at HMP Millsike

Community Union has signed a landmark recognition agreement with Mitie Care & Custody, marking an important step forward for members working at HMP Millsike.

The agreement gives Community sole recognition rights at the facility, creating a formal and direct route for staff to influence decisions about their workplace, safety, pay, terms and future.

Who is covered by this recognition agreement?

This recognition agreement covers all Mitie Care & Custody employees at HMP Millsike

What the recognition agreement means for our members at HMP Millsike

This recognition agreement creates a clear framework for constructive dialogue, fair consultation and stronger workplace representation. For Community members, the key benefits are:

• Annual pay and terms negotiations: Community is the sole recognised body for negotiating pay, salary structures, job grading, pensions and other employment terms at HMP Millsike.
• Stronger on-site representation: Up to nine accredited Community representatives, including Health & Safety and Learning reps, will receive paid time and facility time to support members.
• A formal voice in local decisions: A monthly JCNC with senior leaders, including the Prison Director, will ensure employees’ views are heard on key operational and policy decisions.
• Early consultation on workplace changes: Management must consult Community before changing contractual terms, working practices or business structures.
• Protection during collective disputes: The agreement provides a clear escalation process, including ACAS conciliation or arbitration where needed, and prevents proposed changes during unresolved disputes.
• On-site facilities and check-off: Reps will have secure office space, confidential meeting areas, notice boards and union surgeries, while members can manage subscriptions through check-off.

National Secretary, Gavin Miller said:

“We are delighted to have secured this formal recognition agreement for our members at HMP Millsike. Community has worked closely with Mitie for many years, building a relationship based on mutual trust and open communication. We look forward to continuing to collaborate effectively together to champion our members’ pay, terms, and working conditions, ensuring HMP Millsike is a safe, fair, and rewarding place to work.”

By establishing a transparent framework for dialogue, consultation and negotiation, this agreement helps ensure members’ work is respected and their interests are actively protected. From health and safety to shift structures and annual pay reviews, Community will continue to provide a strong, effective voice at work for our members working under this Mitie contract.