Burnham urged to intervene over zero-hours custody officers
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The gist
Prison officers' union urges PM Burnham to block zero-hours custody roles at Mitie-run HMP Millsike.
The move could set a precedent for casualizing prison work across England and Wales.
Background
HMP Millsike, a private prison near York run by Mitie, is seeking to hire custody officers on zero-hours contracts for the first time in the prison estate. The prison has about 350 empty cells due to staff shortages, and the POA union argues this undermines workers' rights and security. The government is under pressure over its early prisoner release scheme, and the union wants Burnham to intervene.
How it unfolded
- Mar 2025HMP Millsike started taking prisoners.
- Jan 2026IMB reported inconsistent gate security at the prison.
- Feb 2026Mitie replaced the prison director.
- Aug 18, 2026POA calls on Burnham to intervene over zero-hours contracts; Mitie confirms proposal under consideration.
Who’s saying what
- Union
- POA deputy general secretary Mick Pimblett calls the move 'disgraceful' and rejects casualised labour in prisons.
- Operator
- Mitie says it does not offer zero-hours contracts, claiming Sangfroid Group provides contingent workers under its own terms.
Still unverified
The claim that zero-hours contracts are 'by another name' is the union's opinion; Mitie denies offering zero-hours contracts.