Shocking new data reveals that most adult prisoners in the UK are confined to their cells for upwards of 22 hours a day severely limiting their chances for rehabilitation. The report, published this week by the HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, shows that 68% of adult inmates spend less than six hours outside of their cells on weekdays. Of those, 24% are unlocked for two hours or less each day, with some cases reporting as little as 45 minutes. Time out of cells is even more limited on weekends, with over a third of inmates spending most of their time locked up, often with not a lot to do. The worst-affected are local and reception prisons, young adult facilities and Category C training prisons.
The data highlights the significant toll that excessive confinement is having on prisoners’ mental and physical health, pointing out that being locked up for such extended periods harshly restricts access to ‘enrichment activities and opportunities for association with peers to develop social skills, help alleviate boredom and support their wellbeing.’ One inmate at HMP Long Lartin described the situation as ‘worse than Covid. Self-harm is up, and alcohol consumption is through the roof due to the bang-up.’
Staff shortages are also flagged as a ‘recurring theme’ across UK prisons, preventing institutions from providing prisoners with a sense of dignity and routine. Activities are frequently cancelled at short notice, and inmates are less likely to report feeling respected by staff when locked up for long periods. Time out of cells is also often disrupted, with records from HMP Dartmoor showing that, over one month in the summer of 2023, nearly half of all exercise sessions were cancelled, and 89% of planned time out of cells was restricted in some way.
The lack of structure and consistency in daily routines is contributing to a poorly executed rehabilitation service. Only 49% of inmates who spend less than two hours of their cells each day reported that their time behind bars made them less likely to reoffend, compared to 60% of those who had more regular time out of their cells.
