There’s never a good time to hear about losing your job, but being told at the beginning of the year, is going to be hard for many to swallow.
Following the announcement earlier today by Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Justice, that Camp Hill Prison would be closed along with six others across the UK, the Isle of Wight Prison Officers Association have expressed their concern at the plans.
No consultation
One On The Wight reader told us that her father who works at the prison had only learnt of the planned closure after reading our earlier report.
Richard Knox, of the Isle of Wight Prison Officers Association, told the IW County Press that about 80 prison officers and 200 staff could be affected by the decision.
He confirmed that they had only learnt of the closure at 9.30 this morning when the report was released, with no previous consultation.
“We were absolutely shocked that they could sell off a performing prison just for the cost of the land,” Mr Knox told the IWCP. “Once they take one jail, I suspect the rest will follow.”
Our thoughts are with all those affected.
