Two senior staff members at the Manston asylum processing centre in Kent have been suspended and are under investigation for misconduct, the Guardian has learned. The Home Office and its contractor Mitie, which employ the individuals, confirmed the suspensions but did not disclose reasons.
Home Office sources stated that the matter is for Mitie to handle and does not affect operations at the site. A Mitie spokesperson said: “We hold our people to the highest standards and take allegations about staff misconduct very seriously. Where allegations are made, we will immediately investigate and take appropriate action where necessary.” Mitie sources added that a senior team is in place to ensure continuity.
Manston has faced numerous failings, including dangerous overcrowding in late 2022 when up to 4,000 asylum seekers were held at a site designed for 1,600. An independent inquiry is examining the period, which saw outbreaks of diphtheria and scabies, insanitary conditions, and the death of Kurdish asylum seeker Hussein Haseeb Ahmed from diphtheria on 19 November 2022.
Former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, along with former home secretaries Priti Patel, Grant Shapps, and Suella Braverman, may be required to give evidence to the inquiry. Documents revealed that 18,000 of 29,000 people processed between June and November 2022 were detained longer than the intended 24-hour limit, with officials admitting they “completely lost our grip.”
Around 200 asylum seekers unlawfully detained during that period are bringing legal challenges. Manston has also seen a sixfold increase in staff sacked for failed drugs tests and an investigation into a racist message reportedly broadcast at the centre.
