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Prison officers reject jail plans Prison officers reject jail plans
(10 minutes later)
Prison officers have voted to reject the government's controversial workforce modernisation plans by five to one, the BBC has learned.Prison officers have voted to reject the government's controversial workforce modernisation plans by five to one, the BBC has learned.
The plans, which affect England and Wales, involve compulsory fitness tests and a new pay and grading structure.The plans, which affect England and Wales, involve compulsory fitness tests and a new pay and grading structure.
Out of 25,000 ballot papers, over 20,000 Prison Officers Association members voted against, BBC home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw said.Out of 25,000 ballot papers, over 20,000 Prison Officers Association members voted against, BBC home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw said.
The voting figures will be independently verified on 20 February.The voting figures will be independently verified on 20 February.
The POA will now request a meeting with Justice Secretary Jack Straw to discuss the proposals.The POA will now request a meeting with Justice Secretary Jack Straw to discuss the proposals.
'Economic uncertainty' 'Economic climate'
The Ministry of Justice wants to give low-ranking staff, to be known as "operations officers", more responsibility as part of a £1bn efficiency drive.The Ministry of Justice wants to give low-ranking staff, to be known as "operations officers", more responsibility as part of a £1bn efficiency drive.
But the union says it is concerned that safety would be put at risk. All prison officers would have to pass an annual "bleep" test where they run between bollards at a certain speed.
Ministers have described the pay deal - which amounts to a 4.75% increase over three years - as "attractive... at a time of economic uncertainty". But the union says it is concerned that safety would be put at risk and believes putting inexperienced staff in charge could lead to unrest.
It also argues that the fitness tests are unnecessary, given the demands of the job.
Prisons Minister David Hanson described the pay offer - which amounts to a 4.75% increase over three years - as "an extremely good deal for prison staff, particularly in the current economic climate, and a good deal for the taxpayer as it delivers long-term efficiency changes".
The Prison Governors' Association is due to recommend whether or not its members should accept the deal and leaders have expressed reservations.The Prison Governors' Association is due to recommend whether or not its members should accept the deal and leaders have expressed reservations.