Justice secretary David Gauke said employers often shied away from hiring former prisoners
A senior government minister has urged construction companies to consider recruiting more ex-offenders as part of a drive to boost job creation and cut re-offending rates.
Speaking on the first anniversary of 鈥楳ind The Gap鈥�, part of Lendlease鈥檚 not-for-profit 鈥楤e Onsite鈥� project which seeks to give ex-offenders a fresh start and full-time employment, Lord Chancellor and justice secretary David Gauke said employers often shied away from hiring former prisoners.
鈥淭hey think the risks outweigh the potential gains, [so] the attitude displayed by Lendlease and Mitie towards ex-offenders and their dedication to recruiting the right people, no matter who they are, is a breath of fresh air,鈥� he told industry representatives gathered to mark the anniversary at the House of Commons.
Lendlease鈥檚 鈥楤e Onsite鈥� three-year programme secured a 拢1m contract from the Construction Industry Training Board 12 months ago. The project works with a number of firms and organisations to cut both skills gaps and re-offending of offenders and so far has helped nearly 30 ex-prisoners into work.
Gauke said that once an offender had completed his or her sentence they had paid their debt to society. 鈥淓ssentially they have a clean slate to start afresh.
鈥淪ociety must be willing to give ex-offenders the chance to prove they deserved such a new start,鈥� the Lord Chancellor said.
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