March 22, 2005: Prison Officers' Trade Union Rights

Full trade union rights have been restored to prison officers in England, Scotland and Wales. In line with the commitment made by former Home Secretary David Blunkett at the Prison Officers Association (POA) conference in 2003, Parliament has disapplied Section 127 of the Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, which had banned prison officers from striking.

On 1 March 2005 the final requirement of the Regulatory Reform was met, when the proposal received approval from both Houses of Parliament.

The announcement was made by Home Office Minister for Correctional Services and Reducing Re-offending, Paul Goggins.