LEADERS of prison workers’ union the POA urged the next government to protect workers' rights today, with chairman Mark Fairhurst “guaranteeing” it will “keep up the pressure.”

Speaking at the closing of the union’s conference in Eastbourne, Mr Fairhurst said any incoming government could not complete their promises immediately following the election. He gave an example of pay and youth custody estates, which the union has been lobbying on, due to the summer recess that would follow.

“We are waiting for a new government now to decide if they’re going to accept [our recommendations],” he said.