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Prison officers in strike action Prison officers in strike action
(10 minutes later)
Thousands of prison officers in England and Wales have begun an unofficial strike in a protest over pay, the association representing them has said.Thousands of prison officers in England and Wales have begun an unofficial strike in a protest over pay, the association representing them has said.
The Prison Officers' Association says the strike, which started at 0700 BST, will go on for a minimum of 24 hours.The Prison Officers' Association says the strike, which started at 0700 BST, will go on for a minimum of 24 hours.
It says it is staging the strike - which follows a ballot of members - after pulling out of a no-strike agreement with the government.It says it is staging the strike - which follows a ballot of members - after pulling out of a no-strike agreement with the government.
The government said the officers were acting illegally.The government said the officers were acting illegally.
Police used Prison safety
A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Justice said the walkout was a breach of the Industrial Relations Act.A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Justice said the walkout was a breach of the Industrial Relations Act.
"We will be seeking advice on our next step," the spokeswoman added."We will be seeking advice on our next step," the spokeswoman added.
Prisoners are being kept in their cells at the moment.Prisoners are being kept in their cells at the moment.
It is believed police may have to be drafted in to ensure the safety of inmates.It is believed police may have to be drafted in to ensure the safety of inmates.
The strike is technically unofficial because the association had its trade union status revoked by the Conservative government in 1992.