Written question asked by John McDonnell (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 January 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 January 2012. It was answered by Crispin Blunt (Conservative) on Tuesday, 17 January 2012 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Prison Officers Association: Trade Unions

Question: (2) what recent representations he has received on the restoration of full trade union rights to the Prison Officers' Association.

Answer: Prison officers are currently restricted from taking industrial action under section 127 of the Criminal Justice Act 1994 for reasons of safety. These restrictions were suspended in 2005, when the Prison Officers' Association signed a no-strike agreement with the Prison Service, which they later breached by taking national strike action on 29 August 2007. The previous Government subsequently reinstated the legal restrictions on prison officers taking industrial action.The potentially serious consequences of industrial action by prison officers necessitate safeguards against this course of action. Alternatives have been assessed but the Government are not considering lifting these restrictions. In lieu of their ability to strike, compensatory mechanisms for prison officers are in place, including local and national disputes procedures, with recourse to independent arbitration if required, and the Prison Service Pay Review Body, which recommends the levels of pay and allowances of prison officers.The Prison Officers' Association has consistently made representations on the restoration of full trade unions rights. This is not being considered, for the reasons given above.

Secondary information