A new union for prison workers set up on Sheppey is calling for the Government to roll out coronavirus testing to inmates to keep its members safe.

The organisation’s general secretary Andy Hamlin says jail staff are on the “forgotten frontline” and risk catching Covid-19 because of the lack of personal protection equipment (PPE).

The issue is a top priority for Criminal Justice Workers Union (CJWU) which launched this month and has already amassed 200 members with branches across England and Wales.

Mr Hamlin, who works at Elmley Category B remand prison at Eastchurch, said: “The public is being told to stay at home to stop the spread of coronavirus yet our members are being put at potential risk by transferring prisoners without any testing for Covid-19.

“Prisoners being transferred are in close proximity to CJWU members as well as prison and medical staff on reception at their new establishment.”

He added: “We ask the government to test all prisoners for coronavirus before they are transferred to protect our members and stop the spread of the virus within prisons.”

He said all three prisons on Sheppey (Elmley, Swaleside and Standford Hill) had been told to carry on receiving or transferring prisoners during the lockdown.

He added: "Prisoners are expected to self-isolate for 14 days when they reach their new establishment whether they have any coronavirus symptoms or not.

"But they still need to go through the reception process which includes a full search which is difficult to complete under the government's social-distancing rules. The first night also includes medical screening."

Relatives of workers have also complained about a lack of personal protection equipment (PPE).

The union, which represents prison, probation and court staff, was founded by former leader of the Prison Officers Association Mike Rolfe, who works at Elmley.

It was launched on April 6 and has an executive of 10 led by president Dave Gillan who also works at Elmley.

Mr Rolfe said: "We have branches throughout England and Wales and intend to continue growing. We will represent all workers in the criminal justice sector from prisons to probation, cleaners to managers, who want a modern, fit-for-purpose trade union.

“Having been involved with trade union work for over 13 years at various levels, including being a former leader of the Prison Officers' Association, I’m extremely happy to be part of this new service to workers.

"I have seen first-hand how many organisations set up by workers in times gone-by have fallen into disrepute, either by cultivating who attains senior union roles or by effectively riding a gravy train.

"This type of behaviour leaves a bad taste in members' mouths. But with little alternative options available to them they often feel trapped as to who they can turn to.

"The CJWU will be a modern, enterprising trade union that will not have the familiar top 5% earners sitting as part of its executive. We will create an organisation that is by the workers and for the workers, one that members can rightly be proud of belonging to."

He said none of the executive is drawing a salary.

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