With more than 50% of people reoffending within one year of release from prison sentences (1), it’s not hard to conclude that the UK’s criminal justice system simply doesn’t work. The vicious cycle of offending is reinforced by an unspoken double punishment that people who have done their time face; exclusion from the job market. Only around 17% of prison leavers report being employed within a year of release from prison (2). Not only does this mean that there’s a steady stream of talent and potential going to waste, it also equates to an estimated £6bn per year (3) that is being poured down the drain by a system that doesn't stop reoffending.

We believe that everyone deserves a second, or third chance. We also recognise that given the tragic overlap between our prison population and other indicators of privilege, the offer of employment or support given by a willing employer might be the first real chance someone has ever had.

More than 90% of people in our prisons will be released sooner or later (4). By offering effective support to those who are released, we help them to become productive citizens in our society again, with the result that there are fewer new victims of crime and less costly reoffending. The alternative - catapulting prison leavers from 23 hour/day lockdown (5) to fending for themselves without support - creates devastatingly high levels of reoffending, along with the human and financial cost that entails.

We employ people who are still serving prison sentences and prison leavers. We work with HMP Spring Hill to offer employment positions for men on “Release on Temporary Licence” - or day release. Our team members join us for a regular work day and are a vital part of our operation running smoothly.

If you’re interested in employing someone who has had contact with the criminal justice system, please get in touch with us. We’d love to help.