The Government has recruited more than 2,500 extra prison officers, hitting a target seven months ahead of schedule. Official figures show a net increase of 3,111 prison officers have been employed between October 2016 and March 2018.

It is expected that 90 percent of the new recruits will be working on prison landings by the summer, and all of them will be operational by the end of the year.

Justice Secretary David Gauke will announce that the recruitment drive will continue despite the target being hit early.

He will say: “Going beyond this important milestone so early is a real achievement. It means the vast majority of these prison officers will be working on the landings by the summer, and all of them will be in place by the end of the year.

“This will make a real difference to the safety and security of our prisons, ensuring they can fulfil their purpose – protecting the public, reducing reoffending and crucially, rehabilitating offenders.

“But let me be clear - the recruitment drive continues and will continue until we reach required levels across the prison estate, with the same urgency that has secured this remarkable influx of new staff.”