Last yearʼs data from the Home Office shows a mind-blowing fact: some UK inmates make more money than the people watching them. The top-earning prisoner got £36‚715 after taxes (which means about £46000 before deductions) while nine other inmates earned above £22900
The work-release system lets low-risk prisoners have day-jobs outside — they just need to come back by night-time (a way to help them get ready for normal life). Truck-driving jobs are popular picks because theyʼre well-paid and dont cause security issues
Hereʼs how these inmatesʼ earnings stack up against other jobs:
- Midwives: £36‚622
- Biochemists: £36‚586
- Psychotherapists: £36‚602
- Chartered surveyors: £35‚041
The numbers tell an interesting story: about 1‚183 inmates had jobs each month bringing in £22.5 million total last year; thats roughly £20000 per working prisoner. Compare this to prison officers who get £28000 yearly — new-hires start at just £24000
Prison authorities say that working inmates pay taxes court-fines and up to 40% goes to victim support (though some governors dont take the full amount). A Prison Service rep explained: working outside helps stop ex-prisoners from doing more crimes making streets safer for everyone
Release on temporary licence lets offenders spend part of their day working in the community before returning to prison