Smoking to be banned in English prisons

Smoking is set to be prohibited in all prisons in England and Wales Smoking is set to be prohibited in all prisons in England and Wales over fears of that staff may bring compensation claims, the Times reported on Friday .
A pilot scheme is set to be launched early next year banning all tobacco products in the grounds of jails in south-west England, with a full ban due to be rolled out within 12 months.
Senior prison staff were informed of the move in a letter.
"You will no doubt be aware that the decision has been made that the time is right for the prison estate to adopt a tobacco and smoke-free policy to provide a smoke-free workplace/environment for our staff and prisoners," the letter read, according to the Times.
Prisoners are due to be offered nicotine patches as a way of dealing with withdrawal symptoms, which it is feared may lead some inmates to violence.
"I am not sure it is the right time," a prison source told the paper. "Everything in jails is extremely stretched and more job losses are coming."
Prison Service staff have campaigned for a ban and authorities are worried that officers could bring compensation claims over the effects of passive smoking.
Source: AFP