NI prison pay dispute stepped up

Prison officers tonight threatened to plunge Northern Ireland’s jail regime into chaos as a bitter pay row intensified.

All 1,600 officers have launched a 48-hour overtime ban in an attempt to force new wage and pension negotiations.

Union chief Finlay Spratt warned their action would intensify unless the authorities return to the table.

Staff are planning to withdraw their goodwill next week at Northern Ireland’s three jails.

With officers only arriving at the gates right on clock-in time, the whole system could be slowed down. Inmates may also be late for court appearances, according to Mr Spratt.

The Prison Officers Association chairman pledged: “We will escalate our campaign of non-cooperation with Prison Service management.

“We don’t want to, but in my opinion this could cause chaos.”

Bosses have been notified that warders will not resume overtime until Sunday at the high security Maghaberry complex near Lisburn, Co Antrim, Magilligan in Co Londonderry and Hydebank Wood young offenders’ centre at Bangor, Co Down.

The Prison Service confirmed the action had caused some restrictions on the regime available.

But a spokeswoman stressed visits were continuing to operate, with the situation kept under review.

Mr Spratt hit out at the authorities he blamed for any disruption.

“The only people who are suffering from the industrial action in the prison service are the staff and prisoners.

“It’s not any civil servants who close their door and go home at 5pm.

“This is in no-one’s interest and they should come back and resolve this.”