Jail inmates lose appeal over wages

A judge in London rejected “on all grounds” their challenge to the legality of the way Justice Secretary Ken Clarke is operating rules governing pay deductions.

The test case action affects inmates working in the community as they prepare for their release.

Welcoming the judgment, the “delighted” Justice Secretary said: “For too long offenders have not done enough to shoulder the financial burden of their crimes, leaving the taxpayer to foot the bill for the damage they have caused.”

Under the Prisoners’ Earnings Act, inmates engaged in “enhanced wages work” outside prison have 40 per cent of pay which is in excess of £20 paid to victim support.

Lawyers representing two inmates, S and KF, who cannot be named for legal reasons, argued the payments were “disproportionate” and said there was “widespread concern” about the levy.

The court heard claims that prisoners with high travel expenses to reach work were being left with no wages.

There were also complaints that they were being left with insufficient funds to pay towards costs of resettlement such as saving for a rent deposit.

Kate Markus, appearing for S, said Mr Clarke had failed to strike a balance between the interests of victims of crime and inmates.