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Burnham Faces Pressure to Block Mitie’s Zero-Hours Deal

8/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mayor Andy Burnham faces pressure to block Mitie's £25-per-hour zero-hours contract plan for custody officers at HMP Millsike.
The Prison Officers' Association urged the prime minister to intervene, citing the pledge to curb zero-hours contracts.
HMP Millsike, a 1,500-capacity prison opened March 2025 near York, has 350 empty cells and high violence.
Mitie, paid £33 million a year, says it does not use zero-hours contracts and will follow the law.

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Story summary

Mayor Andy Burnham faces pressure to block Mitie's £25-per-hour zero-hours contract plan for custody officers at HMP Millsike.
The Prison Officers' Association urged the prime minister to intervene, citing the pledge to curb zero-hours contracts.
HMP Millsike, a 1,500-capacity prison opened March 2025 near York, has 350 empty cells and high violence.
Mitie, paid £33 million a year, says it does not use zero-hours contracts and will follow the law.