Prison Staff Shut Out of Key Worker Shopping Hours – It’s Time for Change!
Prison Officers Face Risks Others Don’t See
Prison officers protect the public every single day, dealing with dangerous offenders handed down by the Courts. Yet, when it comes to essential shopping, many are barred from key worker time slots in shops. It’s a baffling oversight.
These officers often face prisoners who hide Covid-19 symptoms to avoid 14-day lockdowns. That puts staff – and their families – at serious risk.
More Than Just Guards: Prison Officers Are Everyday Heroes
Prison staff don’t just lock up inmates. They’re the first responders inside prisons. They fight cell fires, perform life-saving CPR, and step into violent situations much like police officers. When tensions run high, they’re the calming voice keeping order.
Denied Early Shopping? It’s Unfair and Unsafe
Prison officers work long, stressful shifts without breaks in canteens or cafés. Yet supermarkets still refuse them access to key worker shopping hours—even when shelves are stocked. This lack of support is shocking.
Supermarkets, wake up! It’s time to recognise prison staff as vital emergency workers and let them shop safely during exclusive times.
