Employment after prison – Makayla Agyemang

This blog provides information on finding work following release from prison, including what that experience is like for them. As a result, a large number of ex-offenders commit crimes again because they are unable to find employment or integrate into society. It is seen that they are frequently made to feel alienated from society.

Help given to prisoners for employment:

A variety of courses and services have been established within prisons to aid in the rehabilitation of inmates upon their release from custody so they can reintegrate into society. For instance, there are chances to go in the areas of mechanics, culinary work, and cleaning. These kinds of abilities can benefit offenders in their daily lives out of prison.

The New Futures Network has been in place within prisons. This is a prison programme that collaborates with inmates and employers outside of prisons. They maintain contact with companies that employ former inmates. Within the prisons, the employers create training and manufacturing facilities as well as run workshops for the inmates. The prisoners will be involved in this new project in the future to determine which industry will suit them the best. The new future network enables inmates to schedule interviews with companies that will aid their reintegration into society.

Release on Temporary License is a programme that enables risk-assessed inmates who have less than two years until their release to work while on day release. In addition to helping them get training and choose whether it is the correct industry to work in, this can assist them land a job upon release. 

How employment works as an ex-offender:

A lot of rejection will come when looking for employment with a criminal record. However, the process of getting a job is still the same as if it was a person with no criminal history. Through networking, using prison programmes and volunteering it can help an ex-offender find a job outside prison. DBS check, disclosure and barring service, are used to check a person to see if they have any criminal convictions. Criminal convictions that will stop them from working with children and vulnerable adults. Whatever is seen on your DBS check, like warning and unspent cautions, can affect hiring decisions. The fact that your crime will be revealed on this check can be a setback for you as an ex-offender because it makes it tougher for employers to be understanding. 

Negatives of employment after prisons

(www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk, 2021) Only 25% of men leave prison and go into employment and for women it’s less than 20%. Many people that enter prisons have already entered with drug and alcohol problems. Dealing and suffering with mental health problems is a proven difficulty to prisoners. As a result, they can often be excluded from vocational rehabilitation programmes and workshops. There is not much support out there to help prisoners with employment after prison, and people reoffend as a result. At PRS, we are all about growth and transformation. We believe that offenders can grow and learn new skills, which can help them in society- helping make employment easier. We believe everyone deserves a chance. 

Why work with prisoners and ex-offenders?

Working with prisoners and ex-offenders can be easier when it comes to recruitment as many have already had prior work experience when doing workshops and learning these skills while at prisons and so the time and cost of recruiting can be overcome. Prisons can also offer interview access for the right candidates depending on their skill sets, finding the best suited for that business. Hiring an ex-offender increases diversity within businesses and the workspace- helping businesses becomes socially responsible. Hiring ex-offenders helps to reduce reoffending and helps them to integrate with society again. 

Due to legal liability issues, this is another recurring issue for ex-offenders to find employment. Many ex-prisoners that have found employment are seen to be earning less compared to what they were earning prior to being in prison. This could lead them to committing crimes like theft, to help them fend for themselves- especially with prices of items rising. Growing up in poverty increases the likelihood of you going to prison. The same cycle of poverty will happen if no employment is given to them after coming out of prison. 

Summary

Concluding, employment after prison isn’t always as easy as it seems even with the support offered. As statistics have shown, only a small number of people after being in prison are able to get jobs. However, many end up reoffending as they find it difficult to fit in and integrate into society again.

There are more options in 2023 with programmes like ban the box and organisations like clinks and if you have a success story that you know about please do write in and share by emailing info@penalreformssolutions.com

Do you know anyone that has been employed after being in prison?