Scandal-hit London jail 'starting to recover' but still 'inhumane and unfit for purpose'

"Staffing is the most urgent issue at the Victorian category B men's jail, which was built in 1851, the IMB's report for 2024/25 found. It said the level of staff absence was "unacceptable", describing how the prison of nearly 1,500 men was often run by fewer than 85 officers, while officers received inadequate training. Staff shortages meant prisoners were often denied enough time out of their cells, which affected their ability to exercise, have showers, use the kiosk, go to classes and receive medical care"

"The IMB also warned the prison would remain "inhumane and unfit for purpose" unless fundamental changes and upgrades were made, with more than 90 per cent of prisoners sharing cells that were built for single occupancy. Broken windows and the "inherent failing infrastructure of the buildings", including hot water pipes going through cells, meant conditions were "dangerously cold in winter and unacceptably hot in summer""

Wandsworth Prison has begun a partial recovery but major concerns remain. Staffing levels are critically low, with frequent absences leaving fewer than 85 officers to manage nearly 1,500 men and officers receiving inadequate training. Prisoners are often denied sufficient time out of cell, affecting exercise, showers, kiosk access, classes and some medical care, with many men spending about 22 hours a day in cramped cells. More than 90% of prisoners share cells built for single occupancy. Infrastructure is failing: broken windows, hot water pipes through cells, poor ventilation, vermin and mould, and extreme temperatures. Violence and self-harm incidents have fallen and a delayed healthcare unit has opened.

Read at www.standard.co.uk