A prison officer in Hull has spoken out about the struggles faced by staff during the coronavirus lockdown, claiming they are being overlooked as key workers. The anonymous worker said colleagues are finding it difficult to buy essential supplies such as toilet roll and bread, as shops are either empty or closed when they finish shifts.
The officer, who works at a prison in Hull, said the situation has led to low morale among staff. 'Myself and others struggle for just your weekly essentials most times,' he said. 'A couple of my close colleagues shop for their elderly mums too. I think the NHS are doing an absolutely amazing job. I just think like most, the prison service is the 'forgotten service'.'
He described the challenges of working extra shifts during the pandemic, noting that officers cannot leave to shop during the day. 'When officers work extra shifts or nights, they can't leave and go shopping. If they do get away on time in an evening, most shops are empty of essentials or closed early,' he said. 'I went four nights on the bounce to try and get toilet roll, just as an example. No bread for just short of a week.'
The Prison Officers' Association (POA) has reported low morale among staff, with prisons stretched more than ever. The worker argued that prison staff are hidden from public view and their needs do not hold the same weight with shop staff, denying them access during priority opening hours. 'We are hidden behind the walls. There is lots of hard work behind those walls regardless of your role within the prison,' he said.
Despite being classed as key workers, which entitles them to leave home for work and keep children in school, the officer said they rarely receive recognition. 'I can't deny that the NHS are frontline but we never get a mention at the best of times. Most don't appreciate how difficult the role can be and challenging,' he added.
