Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many prison officers were on long-term sick leave at HMP Wandsworth on the first Monday of each month in each of the last 12 months.

The requested information is shown in the tables below.

Number of Prison Officers at HMP Wandsworth on short-term sick leave, Mar 2023 – Feb 2024:

Number of Prison Officers at HMP Wandsworth on long-term sick leave, Mar 2023 – Feb 2024:

Note:

Long-term sickness is defined as a period of sickness consisting of 29 or more calendar days.

HMP Wandsworth has robust weekly absence management processes in place to ensure that those who are absent because of sickness are being appropriately managed. This includes a review of all sickness absence (short and long-term), the reason for absences and ensuring appropriate support is being provided where required.

Those on continuing long-term sickness absence will be managed through a Formal Absence Review Meeting with the Governor, to explore whether they are fit to remain employed or if they can return to work in a different role.

HMPPS is focused on reducing its sickness absence rates through the support currently offered to staff and managers, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme that provides the workforce with access to confidential support and counselling services. This is in addition to the organisation’s Occupational Health Service that supports staff and management with medical advice, and HMPPS’ multitude of staff networks that are part of HMPPS’ commitment to ensuring our staff feel supported in their roles.