The new governor of Lewes Prison has offered jobs to 24 recruits for an increased starting salary.
The Victorian jail is the local prison for Brighton and Hove and houses hundreds of prisoners from the city.
Lewes MP Maria Caulfield, a former Brighton councillor, asked about the prison during justice questions in the House of Commons yesterday (Tuesday 25 April).
The Conservative MP asked “what improvements there have been at HMP Lewes since that prison was placed in special measures”?
Prisons Minister Sam Gyimah said: “A new governor was appointed in January 2017 and is developing an action plan in response to the issues in Lewes Prison.”
Miss Caulfield asked Mr Gyimah: “Could he set out how the government’s prison reform will help HMP Lewes, particularly prisoners who are trying to stop reoffending, and the prison officers, who do a difficult job?”
Mr Gyimah said: “A key part of our reform programme is adding 2,500 staff to our Prison Service.
“As far as HMP Lewes is concerned, we have made 24 job offers for additional prison officers since November.
“Starting pay at HMP Lewes is now £26,500 and, along with more prison officers, that will enable the prison to support and challenge prisoners to turn their lives around.”
