Justice sector needs an SOS

Community wants all providers of justice and custodial services that are awarded through Government procurement processes to adhere to a list of minimum standards.

By adopting these standards, the union believes Government and service providers could help reduce violence, ensure proper staffing levels, deliver better training and create a healthy and safe environment for staff and prisoners alike.

Amond those supporting the campaign were G4s operations director Russell Hobbs, Lanarkshire Division commander Chief Superintendent Roddy Irvine, Central Scotland list MSP Margaret Mitchell, and numerous councilors, G4S employees and Community representatives.

The union’s Steve Farrell said: “Staff in the justice sector carry out dangerous jobs in very challenging environments, every day they place themselves in harm’s way to keep the public safe.

“But without question there is a crisis in the sector with violence against staff at an all-time high. Safety standards are plummeting and budgets are being cut.

“No one should fear for their safety at work but too often our members are assaulted and abused on an almost daily basis.

“Therefore, Community, as the justice sector trade union will seek to work with the Government and service providers.

“We want to see our Safe Operating Solutions Charter used as the benchmark to create a safer justice sector in Scotland and will be campaigning hard over the coming months to help achieve that.”

For more information about the Safe Operating Solution Charter visit the Community website