Prisoners should be allowed out for work experience, says report

Offenders should be released from prison to attend training and work experience to improve their employability, a report from MPs has said.

The six-month inquiry by the National Skills Forum (NSF) found that ex-offenders struggle to get jobs because they lack the skills and qualifications required, a deficiency that is not currently being addressed. The final report of the inquiry proposed a greater use of release on temporary licence for prisoners to gain work experience and go to work trials. It also proposed setting up an employer network to share knowledge and best practice on employing ex-offenders.