Aims to deal with the issue of re-offending by ex-prisoners. Being in employment reduces the risk of re-offending by between a third and a half, yet three-quarters of prisoners have no paid work to go to when they leave prison and having to disclose their convictions to a potential employer can result in discrimination and no job offer. Self-employment can therefore offer a practical way of getting back into the labour market for some prisoners.

This report:

Uses a variety of methods including enterprise awareness-raising sessions for both staff and prisoners, a young entrepreneur programme, individuals making and selling their own art and craft goods, and a construction cooperative.

Self-employment opportunities enable prisoners to examine and exploit their aptitude for business.

Offenders and their local communities.

Uses prisons’ existing education and training facilities and partnerships with external bodies such as training providers. Also uses volunteers as teachers, including volunteer prisoners.

Funding comes from a variety of sources including central government, the European Union and the National Lottery.

Small Business Service, Department of Trade and Industry
Phone: +44 207 215 5000
dti.enquiries@dti.gsi.gov.uk

01/01/1999

01/10/2004

case

Urban Policy > Security & crime prevention > Tackling crime

Working with offenders