A politician has accused inmates at Perth Prison of playing computer games all day.
Murdo Fraser, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, has slammed statistics released by the Scottish Conservatives that reveal just under 25% of prisoners in Perth are currently not engaged in work or purposeful activity.
The findings, which were obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, are a snapshot of the current situation at Perth Prison, and state that of the 578 inmates held there, there are 360 spots available for work and 187 for purposeful activities.
And the statistics also show that 140 inmates are currently not engaged in work activities, with a further 28 signed off for medical reasons.
The Scottish Conservatives have repeatedly called for prisoners to be given work or education in jail, both to boost the chances of rehabilitation and pay something back to society.
Mr Fraser said: “Engaging in work or purposeful activities is important for reducing re-offending and it is disappointing to see so many prisoners in Perth not taking part in this.
“Every prisoner should be compelled to either work or take part in some kind of meaningful activity while they’re in jail.”
He continued: “Perth Prison has a reputation as one of Scotland’s most violent and this isn’t helped by criminals staring at the walls or playing computer games all day.
“Prison is there to keep the public safe and to act as a deterrent to anyone considering criminal behaviour. But in addition to that, its role in rehabilitation is critical, and we have to make sure every single inmate is involved in that vital process.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) said they seek to provide “meaningful and appropriate” purposeful opportunities for offenders.
“These opportunities include access to work, education, work placements and programmes,” she said.
“There are a number of offenders for whom engagement in, for example work activities, are optional. There are around 1,100 individuals in custody in Scotland who have been remanded by the courts and are not required to work.
“There is also an increasing elderly population who are not able to participate in work opportunities. We do however take every opportunity to encourage such individuals to participate in activities to support our aims.
“The SPS recognises the valuable role of purposeful activities and will shortly publish a new framework for its management within prisons.”
The figures, which were taken as at August 15 this year, were released at the same time as Reform Scotland, an independent think tank, announced they will publish a new report – Reforming Prison next week. The document, which aims to contribute to the debate on how to better rehabilitate those subject to short-term sentences, will recommend that all jail sentences of six months or less should be banned.
