Prison chiefs rapped after staff rack up £7.5m in overtime payments

Prison chiefs in Scotland have come under fire from the country’s spending watchdog after staff accumulated £7.5 million in overtime payments. Auditor General Stephen Boyle criticized the Scottish Prison Service’s system, describing it as not fit for purpose, especially as the ex-gratia bill increased by £1.2 million from the previous year to reach £6.3 million. This surge in overtime payments involved 2263 employees submitting 21,310 individual claims, with an average payout of £3321. In one extreme case, a worker claimed £32,822 on top of their regular wages, which was equivalent to 72% of their salary.

The ex-gratia system, which is used by the Scottish Prison Service for prison officers who volunteer to work extra hours, provides additional payments instead of hourly overtime rates. The system was introduced in 2004 to encourage officers to work beyond their contracted hours. HMP Edinburgh and Barlinnie jail in Glasgow were among the facilities that paid out the most in ex-gratia payments. Despite concerns over staffing, recruitment, and overcrowding, the report highlighted that many officers were working nearly double the legally permitted 48 hours per week.

Auditor General Boyle warned of the risks associated with staff working beyond their permitted hours, including the impact on staff wellbeing, effectiveness, and the safety of both prisoners and other staff members. Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr MSP expressed concerns over the reliance on overtime payments in Scotland’s jails, emphasizing that while there is a place for overtime, it should not be relied upon to such an extent. He stressed that the current ex-gratia process is not fit for purpose and could potentially compromise safety within prisons.

Responding to the report, an SPS spokesman acknowledged the challenges posed by the complex prison population, leading to increased demands on staff. The Scottish Government also recognized the vital role of prison officers and their work in challenging circumstances, often with complex and vulnerable individuals. The ongoing issues raised by the significant overtime payments in Scottish prisons reflect a broader staffing crisis that requires attention and solutions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the prison system in Scotland.