Stoke Heath YOI staff join strike over contracts

Staff from Shropshire's young offenders' institution were today joining their peers from across the country in a strike over the introduction of new contracts.

Education staff at more than 70 jails and young offender institutions across England, including those from Stoke Heath YOI, near Market Drayton, were striking in a row over terms and conditions of the contracts.

Members of the University and College Union were taking action against the Manchester College, which runs courses throughout the country.

The row centres on claims by the union that the new contracts will increase working hours and lead to cuts in holiday and sickness entitlement, with some staff losing up to £7,000 a year.

At noon there was due to be a rally at the Manchester Conference Centre Institute with speeches by prison teachers and union president Alan Whittaker.

Mr Whittaker said: "Our members don't want to take strike action, but they have been left with no choice. It is deeply concerning that Britain's largest prison education provider is trying to force through new contracts that will seriously jeopardise prison education in this country.

"The new contracts would mean fewer rehabilitation opportunities for offenders. UCU believes education must be at the heart of any reform of our prison system.

A Manchester College spokesman said: "We are disappointed that UCU have determined to strike while we are negotiating with them under the auspices of ACAS with a view to re-recognition.

"The strike is regarding a dispute over necessary changes to contracts to ensure the longterm viability of an effective and efficient learner-focused service."

Union spokesman, Alex Rossiter, said Stoke Heath staff would be striking but not those from The Dana in Shrewsbury.