Prison Leavers Employment 2022-03-22
2022-03-22
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the high rate of reoffending among ex-prisoners who lack employment opportunities upon release.
What steps he is taking to increase the proportion of offenders who are employed on leaving prison?
The Government will deliver a presumption in favour of offering offenders the chance to work in prison, on release on temporary licence, and on release.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete steps or statistics regarding employment rates for released prisoners.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is emphasizing the importance of offender employment in reducing recidivism and seeks details on how the Department prioritizes this issue.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that getting offenders into employment is vital to reducing reoffending? Will he therefore outline to the House what steps his Department is taking to refocus on the key performance indicators that it measures, to ensure that offender employment is a priority for this Government?
My hon. Friend, in his usual manner, has put his finger on the button of part of the solution to the reoffending cycle. We firmly believe that there are three pillars for success in rehabilitating offenders: the first is a home, the second is a job, and the third is a friend. We are committing to providing all three to those who leave the secure estate. With all other Departments, we will publish our outcome delivery plan in the new financial year. I can reassure my hon. Friend that our right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is setting extremely challenging and ambitious targets for the Department, particularly in regard to housing and employment.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific KPIs or concrete steps related to offender employment.
Response accuracy