Prisoners' Salaries in the UK

SOURCE www.telegraph.co.uk
Some prisoners in low-security open prisons in the UK are earning more on average than prison officers who guard them. The highest-paid inmate had a net salary of £36,715 last year, with a gross pay of around £46,000. These prisoners are allowed to work outside the prison as part of rehabilitation efforts.

Key Points

  • Highest-paid inmate had a net salary of £36,715 last year, with a gross pay of around £46,000.
  • Average working prisoner earned just under £20,000 per year, which is more than new prison officer recruits' salary.
  • Prisoners' pay last year totalled £22.5 million, with an average of 1,183 inmates employed every month.

Pros

  • Allowing prisoners to work outside the prison can aid in their rehabilitation and help prepare them for life after incarceration.
  • Prisoners earning money can contribute towards victim's levy, which funds a charity for victims.

Cons

  • Some may argue that prisoners should not be earning more than prison officers who guard them.
  • There may be concerns about security implications of allowing prisoners to work outside the prison.