conditions and over-crowding from midnight last night following failed talks with Government.

An insider called The Royal Gazette late last night to say staff were so tired of working 18-hour days and concerned about the growing number of inmates, they felt they had no choice but to withdraw some of their services. She said: "From midnight they are refusing all escorts, including taking prisoners to court and accompanying them on medical visits. They are going on a go-slow, and many are going to be taking sick leave. People are just too stressed and Government must be made to listen.'' Permanent Secretary for the Prison Service Robert Horton confirmed that he was in talks with the Prison Officers Association for more than an hour last night over their concerns, but said he left before the end of the meeting.

He said he had held several talks recently with the association and there had been no indication of impending action.

"I am surprised as tonight I advised them that Government had agreed to make 16 temporary prison staff permanent in the service, which we felt would help enormously.'' UNIONS UNS