Following the announcement that HMPPS have taken the decision to step in at HMP Lowdham Grange in Nottinghamshire, Community officials have met with Sodexo and HMPPS to discuss their immediate plans and how this will affect our members. Further meetings are planned for the new year.
During a meeting with the prison governor this week, Community officials Adrian Axtell, (National Officer for the Justice Sector) and Michael Davies (Regional Organiser) received a commitment that HMPPS will work with Community and meet with union representatives to discuss the direction of HMP Lowdham Grange.
Adrian Axtell, Community Union’s National Officer for the Justice sector, said:
“As a union we have continually raised concerns from our members regarding safety, security and operational difficulties with management at the highest levels.
“It is important that stability of the prison is improved, and the staffing levels are addressed going forward. We will be working with all partners to ensure that the long-term stability can be achieved.”
Community Union regional organiser Michael Davies said:
“The safety and wellbeing of our members will always be our priority. I’d encourage colleagues to let their Community representatives on site know if they have any questions or issues they would like us to raise with the prison governor and authorities – we stand ready to support our members in every way we can at this time of uncertainty.”
Community is the union for justice and custodial sector workers, representing thousands of members whose work is vital to our justice system and to public safety. Our members work for a range of organisations in the sector. We represent workers at private prisons, secure immigration centres, young offender institutions, courts, in prisoner escorting and much more. We are a modern trade union, campaigning for a better working world.
If you are a member of Community and need help or advice, please contact us at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.
© Community Trade Union 2024