Employment Councils: A Ground breaking Initiative to Connect Ex-Offenders with Jobs and Reduce Reoffending

For HR professionals, finding, developing and retaining talent is a key part of an increasingly complex role. With around one in 4 of the UK workforce having some form of criminal conviction we cannot afford to discount this large talent pool. 

In a significant step towards tackling reoffending rates and boosting the workforce, the UK government has launched 11 regional Employment Councils across England and Wales. This initiative brings together employers, prisons, probation services, and employment support organisations, to link ex-offenders with meaningful work opportunities and, in turn, help reduce reoffending and promote reintegration. 

According to a 2013 Ministry of Justice study, the reoffending rate for those in stable employment post-release from prison is around half that of their unemployed counterparts. With around 80% of all crime linked to reoffending, supporting ex-offenders into work is not just a social imperative but a critical step in making communities safer. 

A Business-Led Solution to a National Challenge 

The Employment Councils will work closely with leading businesses such as Greggs, Iceland, and COOK, which are committed to hiring ex-offenders and integrating them into the workforce. These councils will also collaborate with probation officers, job centre work coaches, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ensure that individuals with criminal records have access to job opportunities as part of their rehabilitation. The initiative will particularly focus on individuals serving their sentences in the community, allowing them to reintegrate into employment while still under supervision. 

Offploy: Supporting Employers and Ex-Offenders Alike 

Working directly with businesses and with individuals with criminal records, Offploy provides tailored training programmes to help HR professionals integrate ex-offenders into their workforce while equipping individuals with the skills needed to succeed in their new roles.  

Jacob Hill, ex-prisoner, MD and founder of Offploy, highlighted the potential impact of the new councils: 

"Involving probation and empowering probation to become more employment aware will be the biggest advantage from these councils because it means that probation officers and probation services will be able to recognise the needs of employers more by having the voice of employers at their regional level." 

This approach ensures that probation officers can work more effectively with businesses, helping to address any concerns and create a smoother transition for ex-offenders into stable employment. 

The Impact of Employment on Reducing Reoffending 

The link between employment and reduced reoffending is well-established.  The latest government data from December 2022 shows that ex-offenders who were unemployed six weeks after leaving prison were twice as likely to reoffend as those in work. The benefits extend beyond individual cases, as integrating former offenders into the workforce contributes to economic growth, reduces the burden on the welfare system, and ultimately makes communities safer. 

James Timpson, Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, reinforced this perspective: 

"Getting former offenders into stable work is a sure way of cutting crime and making our streets safer. That’s why partnering with businesses to get more former offenders into work is a win-win." 

Companies that participate in hiring ex-offenders have also reported positive outcomes. Many employers have found that these individuals demonstrate high levels of commitment, loyalty, reliability, and a strong work ethic when given another chance. Businesses benefit from access to a wider talent pool while playing a crucial role in social change. 

A Pathway to Rehabilitation and Economic Growth 

The UK’s justice system is evolving to place greater emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment alone. The introduction of Employment Councils is a positive step in this direction, demonstrating a commitment to reducing crime through proactive support rather than reactive enforcement. By offering ex-offenders an improved pathway into employment, the initiative ensures that those who have served their sentences are given the tools they need to reintegrate successfully into society. 

With their free-to-use employers guide Offploy continues to support both employers and ex-offenders to create an inclusive workforce and help businesses navigate the process of hiring individuals with criminal records. Their work supports this government initiative to be as effective as possible by providing practical guidance and ongoing support to both parties. 

With reoffending costing the UK economy an estimated £18 billion annually, initiatives like the Employment Councils are a vital investment in both social justice and economic sustainability. The hope is that more businesses will recognise the value of hiring ex-offenders, leading to a lasting reduction in reoffending and a more rehabilitative approach to justice in the UK. 

Book in a call with Offploy to discuss how we can help you ensure that your HR policies, procedures and risk management are consistent and reliable as you take this step towards fully inclusive hiring and employment: Offploy | Employing Ex-Offenders