Decision Report 201603255

Summary

Mr C, a prisoner, complained that the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) were not paying him appropriately. He said he usually worked three-and-a-half shifts per week and received £8. However, Mr C said the SPS had advised him that he would be required to work additional shifts but he would not receive any extra wages. Mr C said other prisoners worked fewer shifts than him but received the same wage payment.

The SPS explained that a new working pattern had been introduced in an effort to address similar complaints. It was decided that all prisoners would be required to work nine shifts each week and the shifts would be carried out in two work parties. The SPS acknowledged there were still some prisoners working only three-and-a-half shifts per week but as they were gradually being allocated positions, the number was reducing.

We were satisfied that the explanation provided by the SPS was reasonable and in line with the prisoner wage earning policy. We accepted that Mr C was being paid appropriately and that it was also reasonable for some prisoners to be receiving a full wage for work that had not yet been allocated to them. We did not uphold Mr C's complaint.