Reduce the minimum retirement age for Prison Officers to 60

Many prison officers are expected to work until they are 68, when their counterparts in the police and fire services are able to retire at 60. The retirement age for Prison Officers should be brought in line with other frontline services.

There were 10,496 assaults on staff in the 12 months to September 2024. In the latest 12 months, the rate of assaults on staff per 1,000 prisoners increased by 19% to 120 incidents per 1,000 prisoners, also a new peak.

We believe our Prison Officers should not have to work in these conditions, dealing with violence and confrontation until age 68.

Prison Officers’ pension age (the age at which unreduced benefits can be taken) is linked to their State Pension Age (SPA) (currently set at 68). Prison Officers are members of the Civil Service Pension Scheme (CSPS) and can therefore seek to retire at any time after reaching Minimum Normal Pension Age, which is currently set at age 55 (increases to 57 from 2028). Members of the CSPS can currently make additional Effective Pension Age contributions to reduce their retirement age by one, two or three years, allowing them to take retirement at 65 (based on a SPA of 68) and draw the same level of benefits they would have received if they had retired at SPA.

The CSPS is a defined benefit scheme: a pension for life without investment uncertainties. It has one of the lowest employee contribution rates across the public sector, which is lower than police officers and firefighters, and a significant employer contribution of 28.97% (since 1 April 2023).

We recognise the unique and challenging role that prison officers play in protecting the public and reducing reoffending. Staff must be able to expect a safe and decent work environment. We will not tolerate any violence against prison officers and prisoners who are violent towards staff will face the full consequences of their actions. We are committed to making prisons a safe place to work and providing the right support, training and tools to empower prison officers to do their jobs.

In order to support staff who are assaulted while doing their jobs, we provide post-incident care teams and occupational health support. We provide extensive mental health support, including a 24-hour helpline, confidential counselling, and online wellbeing services. Our Trauma Risk Management practitioners and Care Teams provide further support following any incidents while on duty.

Ministry of Justice