New Labour laws could allow prisoners to work at popular UK brands like Greggs
London: More offenders might get the chance to work while serving their sentences thanks to new Labour laws introduced by James Timpson, the prisons minister. He believes this could help lower reoffending rates.
Big names like Co-op, Greggs, and Iceland are on board with this initiative. They’ll join new regional Employment Councils, working alongside the DWP to help offenders find job placements.
This plan builds on Timpson’s previous efforts when he led the Timpson Group, a company known for hiring ex-convicts. In fact, about ten percent of their workforce has a criminal record, and they have a solid reputation for employment rights.
Timpson stated that getting former offenders into stable jobs is key to reducing crime and making communities safer. He sees this partnership with businesses as a win-win situation.
He also mentioned that the Employment Advisory Boards he led have made great strides, and these new Employment Councils will help even more offenders stay away from crime as part of their Plan for Change.
Before taking office, Timpson expressed that he thinks around two-thirds of the prison population shouldn’t be there. He feels the UK has become too focused on punishment.
When pressed on this, he clarified that serious offenders need to be locked up, but we also need to tackle issues like mental health and drug problems for those in prison.
Last year, Labour kicked off a review of sentencing laws, aiming to eliminate short custodial sentences for minor offenses. This is part of an effort to address the ongoing prison overcrowding crisis, with nearly 6,000 more prisoners than available spaces.
Some critics worry that these changes might lead to an increase in crimes like shoplifting. In response, Timpson emphasized that while punishment is necessary, it should also focus on reducing reoffending to protect future victims.
He stressed that all actions taken must be backed by evidence showing they effectively reduce reoffending, whether it’s for shoplifting or drug-related crimes.
In September, the party faced backlash for changing the automatic release point for prisoners, allowing thousands to be released early.
