Charlie Taylor, the Chief Inspector of Prisons, has a habit of speaking difficult truths which senior civil servants might wish to keep quiet. He’s done it again, following the publication of a recent inspection at HMP Bullingdon. Taylor tweeted that ‘Bullingdon, like many other jails, is heavily dependent on prison officers recruited from West Africa. Changes to Home Office thresholds mean that many are in danger of not have their work visas renewed. This will have a devastating effect on may jails if a solution is not found.’

Taylor is referring to the impact of the July 2025 changes to the skilled worker visa, which increased the minimum qualifying salary from £29,000 to £41,700 – more than most prison officers earn. The Chief Inspector has revealed a looming crisis for the prison serv

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