Prison warders discovered to have been skiving have not been suspended pending the outcome of an inquiry into their behaviour, The Times has learnt.

Contrary to normal practice, especially when it involves a public official under investigation, the workers are still reporting for work until the inquiry is concluded.

The investigation was ordered last week after Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia turned up at the Corradino Correctional Facility unannounced and found that four warders who should have been on duty that afternoon were not at their stations.

Sources said the investigation, which involves these four and another group of four warders, is expected to be finished next week.

A spokesman for the Home Affairs Ministry justified the lack of suspension by saying that the ministry was awaiting the outcome of the investigation.

“You cannot suspend someone without understanding the chain of responsibility and establish facts,” the spokesman said.

“There are a lot of people involved and the (investigating) board is evaluating dates and times. So how can you suspend some out of many?

“It’s not always easy to suspend workers while an investigation is under way because how would you choose between some workers and others,” he said, adding that the board was also looking into whether some of the absent warders had obtained permission to leave early as time off in lieu.

He described the investigation as wide-ranging and said the board was examining the jail logbook in detail. It was also analysing hours of closed-circuit television footage to help in the investigation.

The minister’s surprise visit led to the resignation of CCF director Abraham Zammit who, despite not being aware of the abuse, shouldered responsibility.

The ministry has said that those found abusing the system would be asked to pay back the salaries they were paid when not at work. Other disciplinary action could also be taken.