In a surprising divergence, prisoners in low-security jails in the United Kingdom earn higher salaries than the officers guarding them and several professionals in civil society, including midwives, psychotherapists, and biochemists. This report by The Telegraph has argued for debates on income inequality and the broader implications of rehabilitation programmes for inmates.
Data from the Home Office shows that some prisoners in open prisons–allowed to work outside during the day under rehabilitation initiatives–have really made significant earnings. A report showed that the highest-paid inmate reportedly earned a net salary of $46,005 (Rs 38.8 lakh) last year, which equates to a gross income of about $57,640 (Rs 48.6 lakh). Nine other prisoners earned net wages over $28,694 (Rs 24.2 lakh), with the average working prisoner taking home nearly $25,061 (Rs 21.1 lakh) annually.
Average salary of the prison guard is $35,085 (Rs 29.6 lakh). New recruits are paid around $30,073 (Rs 25.4 lakh) annually. Midwives get $45,889 or Rs 38.7 lakh; biochemists fetch $45,844 or Rs 38.7 lakh, and psychotherapists earn a salary of $45,864 or Rs 38.7 lakh, yet still less than what some of the highest-paid prisoners rake in.
While prisoners engage in various jobs, the highest earners are involved in lucrative positions such as lorry driving. According to the Ministry of Justice, two prisoners earned over $37,591 (Rs 31.7 lakh) after deductions, and another seven earned between $28,694 (Rs 24.2 lakh) and $37,591 (Rs 31.7 lakh).
A prison service spokesperson explained the initiative:
“Some offenders, near the end of their sentence, are granted a temporary license. They get to spend some time in the community working before returning to prison.”
These monies are taxed and include court fines, as well as a levy of up to 40%, which is paid to charities supporting victims.
Fair recompense to those civil society professionals has been a concern, and a stark pay disparity has been one of the concerns over fairness forthe program purporting to prepare inmates for readmission intosociety.
The UK continues debating over balancing prisoner rehabilitation with equitable compensation for civil society professionals.
