Understand
Jimmy McGovern slams 'lazy' young offenders institute staff
Overview
BAFTA-winning screenwriter Jimmy McGovern has criticised staff at young offenders institutes (YOIs) as 'lazy', claiming that the keep-apart policy used to prevent inmate violence results in youths being locked in cells for 23 hours a day and gives officers an excuse to do nothing. The Prison Officers' Association defended the staff, stating that the separation policy is a vital safety measure needed to handle severe violence and chronic understaffing.
Key points
- Screenwriter Jimmy McGovern described conditions in young offenders institutes as 'appalling' after researching for his upcoming BBC drama series, 'Time'.
- McGovern claimed that the keep-apart system, designed to separate young offenders to reduce violence, leaves inmates locked in cells for 23 hours a day.
- He stated that the policy and Covid-19 pandemic measures have provided an excuse for prison officers to be lazy and avoid active duties.
- The Prison Officers' Association (POA) dismissed McGovern's comments as 'unfair', highlighting that staff face chronic understaffing and daily threats of serious violence.
- The POA stated that keep-aparts remain an essential safety measure in violent environments, and the Ministry of Justice defended its hardworking staff.
- The upcoming third series of 'Time', written by McGovern and Samuel Bailey, stars David Tennant and Siobhan Finneran.