Lib Dems demand minimum working hours for Scottish prisoners

Published on Saturday 1 January 2011 11:31

THE Liberal Democrats have called for minimum working hours for prisoners to be introduced across Scotland.

The party's justice spokesman Robert Brown claimed working was "the best way" to prevent reoffending on release and called on the Scottish Government to introduce a standard minimum for all prisoners.

He said he would like to see more opportunities for work in all Scotland's prisons.

"I was surprised to learn that prisoners are not required to work at least a few hours a week in jail," said Brown.

"Working also offers many offenders the chance to gain qualifications that will help them on the outside.

"Working in prison is the best way to stop criminals reoffending when they are released."

John Ewing, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service, responding to a parliamentary question from Brown on the subject, said prisoners involved in work parties would typically work nine sessions each week, ranging from two to three hours per session.

This means prisoners work around 18 to 25 hours each week.

Ewing said: "There is no fixed minimum number of hours that a prisoner has to work. Some sessions may not be attended due to a prisoner being at education classes, participating in an offending behaviour programme or health centre or community agency appointments."

A Scottish government spokesman said: "All convicted prisoners are required to work - exactly how long that should be will depend upon the nature of that work. But there is a wider range of working opportunities in Scotland's prisons than ever before."