PRISONER escort and custody services staff in Dorset are facing an uncertain future as the knock-on effects of the closure of Dorchester Prison take hold.

GEOAmey, which provides the services on behalf of the Ministry of Justice says it has entered into a period of consultation to ‘evaluate the impact’ of the closure of the county town jail last year.

A spokesman for the firm said: “We are evaluating the impact to prisoner volume and movements.

“We are working closely with HM Prison Service, trade union representatives and our employees during this period of consultation.”