Ex-workers tell of 'chaotic atmosphere' at new £400m prison

The latest UK prison, HMP Millsike in East Yorkshire, has faced a challenging first 18 months according to former workers. Despite being hailed by the government as setting the standard for future prisons, the £400 million Category C facility has struggled with under-staffing, inadequate training, and numerous incidents. Mitie, the company running the prison, maintains safety is their top priority and that they are operating as planned with the Ministry of Justice.

Since opening in March 2025, the prison has housed around 1,100 inmates. Issues have included reports of a disturbance in November 2025 where a prisoner "lost it" and an elite prison squad had to intervene. A sewage pumping station malfunctioned during the same month, with inmates reportedly flushing clothes down toilets. In June 2026, a female prison officer was convicted and given an eight-month suspended jail term after admitting to a relationship with an inmate.

Former employees, including a prison officer and staff members, describe a "chaotic atmosphere" inside Millsike. Six claim they faced staffing shortages and felt unsafe, while four expressed concerns about colleagues with backgrounds from supermarkets and fast-food chains. The Ministry of Justice states all operational staff undergo more than eight weeks of training, including shadowing roles in other prisons. However, Mitie declined to disclose current vacancies.

During a public meeting in June, interim prison director Paul Newton revealed recruitment was difficult, with 90% of employees having no experience in the prison sector. Three former staff members, in non-officer roles, described taking on tasks outside their job descriptions due to a shortage of officers, including bed-watching vulnerable prisoners. Steve Richardson, who worked in maintenance for 10 months, reported being assaulted by inmates and claims he was not given control and restraint training.

Mitie asserts that everyone needing DoJo training has received it, and the company believes call-outs are in line with expectations. In July 2025, a bomb squad vehicle was seen entering the site, followed by a loud bang. Emergency services, including an explosive ordnance disposal team, responded, but no viable device was found.

In January 2026, the Independent Monitoring Board raised concerns about safety and security, and the prison's director was replaced shortly after. Critics argue the prison was opened too early and not transparently communicated with staff, prisoners, and their families about the challenges faced.