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Prison officers in strike action Prison officers in strike action
(20 minutes later)
Thousands of prison officers in England and Wales have begun a strike in a protest over pay, the association representing them has said.Thousands of prison officers in England and Wales have begun a strike in a protest over pay, the association representing them has said.
The Prison Officers' Association says the strike, which started at 0700 BST, will go on for a minimum of 24 hours.The Prison Officers' Association says the strike, which started at 0700 BST, will go on for a minimum of 24 hours.
It says it is staging the strike - which follows a ballot of members - after pulling out of a no-strike agreement with the government.It says it is staging the strike - which follows a ballot of members - after pulling out of a no-strike agreement with the government.
The government said the officers were acting illegally.The government said the officers were acting illegally.
Prison safetyPrison safety
A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Justice said the walkout was a breach of the Industrial Relations Act.A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Justice said the walkout was a breach of the Industrial Relations Act.
"We will be seeking advice on our next step," the spokeswoman added."We will be seeking advice on our next step," the spokeswoman added.
Prisoners are being kept in their cells at the moment.Prisoners are being kept in their cells at the moment.
It is believed police may have to be drafted in to ensure the safety of inmates.It is believed police may have to be drafted in to ensure the safety of inmates.
The walkout follows a POA national ballot of members two weeks ago.
Some 87% of the prison officers who voted endorsed industrial action "up to and including strike".
Turnout for the ballot was about 65%.
Prison Officers' Association (POA) chairman Colin Moses said the decision to strike had been taken "after two years of frustration and two years of below-inflation pay awards".Prison Officers' Association (POA) chairman Colin Moses said the decision to strike had been taken "after two years of frustration and two years of below-inflation pay awards".
"These are professional men and women who every day look after those committed by the courts to our prisons."These are professional men and women who every day look after those committed by the courts to our prisons.
"Surely we should be treated as well, if not better, than the prisoners we look after.""Surely we should be treated as well, if not better, than the prisoners we look after."