Probation hostels in England and Wales forced to shut after staffing crisis
Nearly one in ten probation hostels for the most dangerous offenders in England and Wales have closed due to staffing shortages, raising public safety concerns as the government prepares early prisoner releases.
A staffing crisis has forced the closure of nearly one in ten probation hostels (approved premises) in England and Wales, where the most dangerous offenders live after leaving prison. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) confirmed that nine out of 105 approved premises are currently closed. These facilities supervise about 2,000 criminals considered too dangerous for release back into the community. The closures come as the government plans the early release of thousands of inmates in September, including violent rapists and paedophiles.
Martin Jones, HM Inspector of Probation, warned that the closures and the use of untrained security guards to fill in for probation staff endanger the public. "Approved premises are where the highest risk individuals go after release. It is vital that as many places are available and that the right staff are in place," he said. "If security guards are doing probation work, there is a big risk of things going wrong and the public being put in danger."
Insiders blame the crisis on high stress levels and the expiry of contracts with private companies Sodexo and OCS, which provided overnight staff. A probation manager stated: "They’ve known this was coming for 18 months, we’ve not been supported to put staffing in place. The closures mean dangerous men don’t get beds; somewhere someone will get hurt because they didn’t get a hostel bed." Another insider added: "There is no room for mistakes; you are surrounded by high-risk people, many of whom are trying to harm themselves or others. It is stressful and leads to many staff taking time off with stress-related illnesses."
The probation officers' union Napo surveyed 21 hostel staff; 16 reported security guards covering work usually done by probation officers. Napo general secretary Ian Lawrence called the use of security guards "totally unacceptable" as they are not trained to work with probation clients. He also highlighted the need for investment in the approved premises estate.
Recent inspections revealed serious problems, including "serious safeguarding concerns" at Weston AP in Weymouth, Dorset, where staff failed to check on high-risk residents and ignored procedures to prevent suicide and self-harm.
An MoJ spokesperson acknowledged the temporary closures and the continued use of security guards but noted that the total number of beds has increased and £700 million has been invested in probation and community services.
