Prison staff say worsening overcrowding is forcing authorities to place two inmates in cells intended for single occupancy, while workers have been told not to use cells considered inadequate.
The accounts indicate that pressure on available prison space is increasing. Staff say the use of single-occupancy cells for two prisoners has become more frequent as the number of people held in custody rises.
Alongside the reported overcrowding, prison workers have been instructed not to use cells that do not meet the required standard. The supplied information does not specify which facilities are affected or set out the criteria used to judge a cell inadequate.
The situation highlights the operational difficulties created by limited accommodation inside prisons. However, no further details are available on the number of cells involved, the prisons affected or how long the arrangements have been in place.
The latest position described by staff is that overcrowding is continuing to worsen, with workers managing the shortage of suitable accommodation while being told not to use inadequate cells.
