More than 82,500 people are in prison across the UK, government figures show, and those set for release face the daunting task of re-entering society and trying to find a job.
They face an uphill battle: half of employers would not consider hiring an ex-offender, regardless of the crime or sentence received, according to a Department for Work and Pensions survey in 2016.
Some say that is shortsighted. As well as helping them to get their lives back on track, reducing the likelihood of re-offending, it allows employers to access a pool of talented and motivated individuals at a time when the skills shortage is making it harder than ever for companies to recruit.
From jail to job: why more companies are hiring ex-offenders
They face an uphill battle: half of employers would not consider hiring an ex-offender, regardless of the crime or sentence received, according to a Department for Work and Pensions survey in 2016.
Some say that is shortsighted. As well as helping them to get their lives back on track, reducing the likelihood of re-offending, it allows employers to access a pool of talented and motivated individuals at a time when the skills shortage is making it harder than ever for companies to recruit.
From jail to job: why more companies are hiring ex-offenders
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