UK prison officers walk off job to protest growing violence
LONDON — Britain’s High Court has ordered thousands of prison officers to end a walkout over rising violence behind bars.
Members of the Prison Officers Association protested Tuesday by stopping work, though they said they would respond to emergencies.
Prison guards are barred from striking and the government asked the court to rule the protest unlawful.
Justice Secretary Liz Truss said the walkout was “actively putting people at risk of harm.”
Prison staffers say government cuts have made their jobs more dangerous and worsened conditions for prisoners.