According to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Justice, more than 5,000 people were recalled to prison in December 2025 alone, which is over one-third of the total number recalled in the year to June 2025. Between July and September 2025, there were 12,836 people recalled, which is 29 per cent higher than the equivalent number for the same period in 2024.
The early release scheme SDS40 (Standard Determinate Sentence 40), under which 50,000 prisoners were released in England and Wales, is said to likely be responsible for this increase, due to the lack of preparedness for individuals to be freed. This includes lack of accommodation and shortage of probation staff to deal with them. Mark Fairhurst of the Prison Officers Association says his members believe that many prisoners want to be returned to jail so they can carry in illegal drugs to trade within the prison system.
Between July and September 2025, over 19,000 new arrivals entered prison, and there were only 14,000 releases, which is why the early release scheme was deemed essential. Probation is now dealing with over 246,500 people, which is an increase of 2 per cent from the position 12 months ago.
Meanwhile there has been a reduction of 7 per cent in the number of recalls for those on licence under IPP (Imprisonment for Public Protection) sentences, and a significant increase in out of court dispersals, which provide an alternative to prison sentences.
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