Nigerian TikTok influencers are promoting prison officer jobs in the UK as an easy way to obtain visas. Recent figures show over 2300 overseas staff hired to address staff shortages in UK prisons. However, concerns have been raised regarding the suitability of applicants and communication issues among new recruits, prompting calls for improved hiring practices.
In Nigeria, TikTok influencers are promoting prison officer positions as a simple pathway to obtaining UK visas. British prisons have reportedly hired 2,340 foreign nationals in the past three years, aiming to address significant personnel shortages. Despite online applications being available, there are concerns about some recruits lacking suitable qualifications and English proficiency.
According to a Nigerian TikToker who shares job opportunities, the recruitment process is straightforward. An applicant needs to submit a form, complete an online test, and attend an interview, all of which can be done with minimal experience or academic qualifications. This has attracted many Nigerians seeking work opportunities abroad.
The implementation of a Tier 2 visa sponsorship program has further streamlined hiring, but has raised alarm among experts. Ian Acheson, a former prison governor, voiced concerns regarding the message sent by these job postings on social media, emphasizing that they reflect an unattractive nature of the prison officer role despite its critical importance.
Union leaders have echoed concerns regarding the competency of newly recruited officers, stating that many struggle with communication. Mark Fairhurst of the Prison Officers’ Association called for the return of traditional in-person interviews, citing issues with the current online-only hiring process and its lack of adequacy.
It has been reported that challenges in communication and cultural adaptation arise from the high number of overseas hires, particularly from Nigeria. Critics warn that this affects the working environment and may generate tension among staff in rural locales with disproportionately large foreign populations.
Specific examples have emerged indicating the problematic nature of the recruitment process, including recruits arriving without adequate accommodation or realizing they are unfit for certain physical tasks related to their role. Fairhurst also addressed the dissatisfaction with how new recruits were informed about job responsibilities, stating that the handling by the Prison Service requires significant improvement.
While applicants for Category A prisons must have resided in the UK for a minimum of three years, this does not apply to other facilities. Currently, there are 23,273 prison officers working across England and Wales, with Nigerian applicants reflecting a growing trend in visa applications for various fields, including health and social care.
The surge in Nigerian TikTokers promoting prison officer roles as a means to secure UK visas underscores significant staffing challenges within British prisons. While such opportunities may appear enticing, concerns regarding the qualifications and communication skills of overseas recruits raise alarms among union leaders and experts alike. Consequently, substantial improvements in the recruitment and onboarding processes are essential to ensure that new hires possess the necessary skills for their roles, maintaining safety and operational effectiveness within these institutions.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
