Liz Truss to resume talks with prison officers over service 'in meltdown'

Justice Secretary Liz Truss is set to resume talks with the prison officers' union on Thursday after thousands of staff stopped working amid claims the service was "in meltdown".

The National Offender Management Service has contacted the Prison Officers Association to offer a meeting with Ms Truss.

POA members held protests outside jails around the country on Tuesday after talks with the Government over health and safety concerns broke down.

Officers were ordered back to work after the Government sought an emergency injunction at the High Court.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "The Government welcomes the POA's decision to stop yesterday's unlawful industrial action and that prison officers have returned to work.

"We are committed to improving safety across the prison estate and are already taking action.

"This includes tackling the use of drugs, mobile phones and drones while recruiting new staff and improving protection for staff.

"The Justice Secretary already met with the POA earlier this month but would not do so again until they called off their unlawful action.

"Now that prison officers are back at work she will meet the POA and invites them to resume talks with her team."