G4S Custodial & Detention Services Managing Director, Jerry Petherick, said:

"HMP Birmingham is an inner-city remand prison which faces exceptional challenges including high levels of prisoner violence towards staff and fellow prisoners. We believe that it is in the best interests of staff and the company that management of this prison is transferred to HMPPS and we will work closely with the Ministry of Justice to ensure a smooth transition over the next three months.

 "We will continue to deliver high quality services at the other four major UK prisons that we manage and I would like to pay tribute to all of our employees who provide an outstanding service at these prisons, often in a demanding operating environment.

 "Our dedicated staff deserve credit for some of the most successful initiatives taking place in prisons today. These initiatives support prisoners’ individual needs and enable them to learn new skills, take responsibility and reconnect with their families.”

 The HMP Birmingham contract is an onerous contract and as a result, future operating losses, including transfer costs, were fully provided in G4S’s 2018 Full Year Results. No further provision is required.