BBC News: Graduates fast-tracked into prison service

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BBC News: Graduates fast-tracked into prison service

The government is backing a new scheme to get graduates working in the prison service, only days after disturbances at HMP Birmingham.

Graduates will work alongside frontline staff after an intensive training course in the summer and complete a master’s degree at the same time.

Trainees will earn £20,545 – a prison officer’s starting salary – during the two-year scheme in England and Wales.

The Prison Officers Association said the scheme was “barmy”.

The initiative is being launched by charity Unlocked and is backed by Justice Secretary Liz Truss.