A union says plans to sell-off a Warwickshire prison to a private firm could put people living nearby in danger.
The Prison Officers Association are angry about government plans to privatise Onley prison near Rugby.
The move could mean around a hundred people lose their jobs.
The union wants an urgent meeting with the Justice Secretary Ken Clarke over fears cost-cutting could see standards drop and lead to an increase in things like riots, which affect the whole community.
Spokesman Glen Burchill said: ”It will be less secure, fewer cameras and staff on landings and such. There’s more assaults in private prisons, on prisoner and prisoner staff because of staffing levels.
“You get less staff, the safety of the prisoners, the staff and the visitors all come into question. It’s just an attack on the public sector and we’re a part of it at the moment.
The Ministry of Justice says Onley was chosen as there is a “potential for efficiency improvements, service reform and innovation” and the decision was not based on poor performance.
Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 6:06 pm