Big business bosses are set to lead a new campaign to cut crime and give ex-offenders access to stable jobs.
It is part of a government initiative creating 11 new regional employment councils across England and Wales.
Leaders from companies including Co-Op, Iceland, Greggs and Oliver Bonas will take on voluntary advisory roles working with probation, job centers and the Department for Work and Pensions.
The idea is to help ex-offenders find work while they serve the remainder of their sentences in the community.
The government says around 80% of offending is repeat offending, while the latest data shows offenders who are unemployed six weeks after leaving prison have a reoffending rate more than twice as high as those who are working – 35% versus 17%.
The employment boards will complement the work of existing employment advisory boards, established by former Timpsons chief executive, now prisons minister, Lord Timpson.
The advisory councils bring together local leaders at 93 individual prisons to help provide advice on education and training, but largely stop at the prison gates.
The government wants the new councils to act as better bridges for offenders, under one roof – bringing together probation services, prisons and local employers, helping prison leavers look for work.
This will include connections with job coaches at job centers who will provide mock interviews, resume advice and training opportunities in the community.
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Lord Timpson described the new project and partnership with the businesses as a “win-win”.
“Giving ex-offenders stable employment is a sure way to reduce crime and make our streets safer,” he said.
Last month, Sky News heard from a former offenderTerry, now employed at Timpsons shoemakers and key cutters, on what he calls an “invisible stigma” for those with criminal records seeking employment.
He said getting a secure job was life-changing because without other options, “you’re probably going to think about committing a crime.”
Annie Gail, head of social impact at Cook Foods, which is taking part in the government’s new scheme, also told Sky News that prison release schemes like theirs are “difficult”.
She said having ex-offenders in public roles “may raise concerns”, but insisted “good business is about more than making a profit” and is instead about being “a force of good in society.
The new program is due to start next week and plans to give thousands of ex-offenders access to stable jobs, away from a life of crime.