Wolfenbüttel JVA: Highest sickness rate in Lower Saxony reveals warning signs!

Wolfenbüttel JVA: Highest sickness rate in Lower Saxony reveals warning signs!

The situation in the Wolfenbüttel correctional facility (JVA) raises serious questions. In 2024, the correctional facility recorded the highest sickness rate among all correctional facilities in Lower Saxony. With an average of 32.66 sick days per capita, the staff here are under a lot of pressure, while the average in other institutions is noticeably lower. The Celle JVA follows with 31.96 days and the Hannover JVA with 31.64 days. These worrying figures come from a response from the Lower Saxony Ministry of Justice to a request from MP Dennis Jahn from the AfD, which can be seen as a reflection of the current challenges in the judiciary.

What is particularly noticeable is the high level of sickness in Wolfenbüttel, which is well above average. In contrast, the Meppen JVA had the lowest sickness rate at just 16.95 days per capita. A forecast of 30.95 sick days is already expected for Wolfenbüttel for the coming year 2025, which could further increase the existing burden on employees.

Overtime and workload

The strain on employees is also evident in the overtime they work. In 2024, overtime hours in Wolfenbüttel totaled 5,222, which corresponds to an average of 18.90 hours per capita. By October 2025, this number had already risen to 5,520 hours, i.e. around 21.15 hours per capita. These numbers alone speak volumes, but the Wolfenbüttel JVA is not one of the front runners with these overtime hours. In the Vechta Women's Prison, overtime was 72.10 hours per capita, followed by the Uelzen JVA with 52.00 hours per capita. Nevertheless, the combination of high levels of sickness and numerous overtime hours is a clear sign of the tense situation. The employees not only carry out their regular tasks, but have also been deployed for driving services, which always bring additional burdens.

In 2024, six employees were available for these special driving services and worked 6,912 hours. And by October 2025, 5,760 hours of driving services had already been recorded. However, the Ministry of Justice makes it clear that the staff deployed as planned will receive regular support from additional staff in order to be able to better cope with the work requirements.

Outlook for the coming challenges

The Wolfenbüttel JVA is therefore faced with a complex challenge. High levels of sickness, a lot of overtime and the need for additional transport services make it clear that there is a need for action here. The question of whether the situation in the Wolfenbüttel JVA should be viewed as an isolated case or whether similar challenges also exist in other institutions remains to be seen.

Overall, it is clear that it is necessary to find ways to improve the working conditions for employees both in the Wolfenbüttel prison and in the entire judicial administration in Lower Saxony. This is the only way to ensure the health and well-being of employees in the long term and to ensure adequate care within the correctional system.