Key facts
- Nine out of 105 probation hostels in England and Wales are temporarily closed due to a staffing crisis.
- Untrained security guards are reportedly being used to fill staffing gaps.
- The closures raise concerns about public safety, particularly with plans for early inmate releases.
- The Ministry of Justice confirmed the closures but stated that overall bed capacity has been increased.
- The probation watchdog has previously identified serious safeguarding concerns at some approved premises.
Nearly one in ten probation hostels in England and Wales have been temporarily shut down due to a severe staffing crisis, raising concerns about public safety as the government prepares to release thousands of inmates. The Ministry of Justice confirmed that nine out of 105 approved premises are currently closed, with untrained security guards sometimes filling in for probation staff.
Martin Jones, HM Inspector of Probation, stated that the closures of these heavily supervised premises, which house individuals considered too dangerous for general release, put the public at risk. He emphasized the critical need for properly trained staff to manage residents with complex needs, including drug and alcohol problems and mental health issues.
Insiders cited high stress levels and the expiry of contracts with private providers Sodexo and OCS as contributing factors to the crisis. A probation manager warned that the lack of available beds for dangerous men could lead to harm. Napo, the probation officers' union, found that a significant number of staff had witnessed security guards performing duties typically handled by probation officers.
Recent inspections have also highlighted serious safeguarding concerns at some approved premises, including failures in resident checks and adherence to suicide and self-harm prevention protocols. The Ministry of Justice acknowledged the staffing challenges but asserted that overall bed capacity has been increased and that record investment has been made in probation services.