On January 31, 2025, the Prison Service Pay Review Body (PSPRB) issued its response to the 2025-26 remit letter and timetable for England and Wales.
This correspondence outlines the PSPRB’s approach to the upcoming pay round for operational prison staff, emphasizing an accelerated timeline to align pay awards closer to the start of the pay year.
The remit letter, issued by the Minister of State for Prisons and Probation, highlights the importance of affordability and aligning pay with broader economic conditions.
Pay Round Context
The PSPRB’s response is crucial as it sets the stage for pay adjustments in the England and Wales prison service. The pay round for 2025-26 follows a significant increase of at least 5% for frontline prison staff in the previous year, aimed at improving recruitment and retention.
Despite these efforts, the prison service continues to face challenges, including a workforce with many recently recruited officers lacking experience.
The government has emphasized the need for affordability in the pay review process, reflecting broader fiscal constraints and economic stability goals.
Accelerated Timeline
The accelerated timeline for the pay round is a strategic move to ensure that pay awards are announced closer to the start of the pay year, which begins on April 1, 2025. This approach aims to reset the pay round timeline more effectively by 2026-27.
The earlier publication of written evidence for the 2025-26 round means there is less time to assess the impact of previous awards, but early indicators suggest positive effects on recruitment and retention.
| Year | Pay Increase | Target Group |
|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | At least 5% | Frontline Prison Staff |
| 2025/26 | To be determined | Operational Prison Staff |
| 2024/25 (OSGs) | 9.8% (including NLW increase) | Operational Support Grades |
Economic Considerations
The UK government’s focus on economic stability and fiscal discipline influences the PSPRB’s considerations. The Chancellor has emphasized no increases in income tax, National Insurance, or VAT, while avoiding austerity measures.
This delicate balance suggests that pay awards must be carefully calibrated to align with broader economic conditions and government spending rules.
As the labour market shows signs of loosening, with vacancy levels falling, the impact on public sector recruitment and retention will be closely monitored.
Related Policies and Initiatives
- Pay Review Process: The PSPRB conducts reviews to ensure fair pay for prison staff while considering affordability and economic conditions.
- Recruitment and Retention Strategies: Initiatives focus on improving staffing stability and experience levels within the prison service.
- Fiscal Policy: The UK government’s commitment to economic stability and spending rules shapes the context for public sector pay decisions.
Long-Term Implications
The PSPRB’s response and the subsequent pay round will have significant long-term implications for the prison service. Balancing fair pay with fiscal responsibility is crucial for maintaining staff morale and ensuring the effective operation of prisons.
As the UK navigates economic challenges, the ability to attract and retain skilled staff will be vital for the success of the prison service. Will the accelerated timeline and focus on affordability be enough to address ongoing recruitment and retention challenges?
What This Means for You
For those involved in the prison service, the pay round outcome will directly impact salaries and working conditions. The emphasis on affordability and economic conditions could influence the scale of pay increases, affecting staff morale and retention.
Further Reading
Did You Know?
The 2024/25 pay award for frontline prison staff cost the Ministry of Justice approximately £141 million, highlighting the significant financial investment in improving public services.
Closing Thoughts
The PSPRB’s response to the 2025-26 remit letter underscores the complex interplay between fair pay, recruitment challenges, and fiscal responsibility.
As the UK government seeks to stabilize public finances, the prison service must navigate these competing priorities to ensure effective operations and staff satisfaction.
