Leading business leaders, including those from Iceland, COOK, and Greggs will be at the forefront of a new initiative that aims to assist thousands of UK offenders to find stable employment. The goal is to reduce the reoffending rate.
The initiative introduces Regional Employment Councils, building on the success achieved by prison Employment Advisory Boards, established by Minister of Probation, Prisons and Reducing Reoffending, Lady Timpson. The boards were set up in 93 prisons to provide education and employment opportunities for prisoners.
The new councils are extending this support to those offenders who are under the supervision and control of the Probation Service. They will be working to reintegrate these offenders into society by providing them with meaningful employment opportunities.
Collaboration to reduce reoffending
To strengthen the links with local employment centres, representatives of the Department for Work and Pensions will be included in each regional council. This collaborative model is designed to reduce reoffending, which accounts for 80 percent of crime. Ministry of Justice statistics show that offenders who are unemployed for six weeks following their release from prison are twice as likely to commit a crime (35.3%, vs. 16.8%), than those in employment.
James Timpson spoke about the importance of a job in reducing crime. “Getting ex-offenders into stable employment is a surefire way to cut crime and make our streets safer,” he said. It’s a win-win situation when businesses partner with law enforcement to place more ex-offenders in work.
Business Leaders: The Role of Employers
According to a study by the Ministry of Justice, employers are strongly in favor of hiring ex-offenders. Over 90% of employers who hire ex-offenders report that these individuals are reliable, motivated and trustworthy.
Rosie Brown said that a job is a great way to help someone rebuild their life and relationships after a period in prison. We get loyal, committed team members who help us grow our business. Families, communities and society win when re-offending is decreased.
The Employment Councils are designed to support the probation staff who already work hard to help offenders find employment. The Employment Councils will give insight into the local labor market and help foster relationships with employers who are willing to hire former offenders. The DWP will connect offenders to job coaches in local job centres who can help them with mock interviews, CV writing and other training.
Baroness Maeve Holmes, DWP Lords minister, said: “As we make our streets safer, assisting offenders to find work will allow employers to fill vacancies, and plug our skill gaps.”
