Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ex-offenders: Employment

Tuesday 21 November 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The proportion of prison leavers in employment six months after release has more than doubled in the two years to March 2023.
  • Securing employment and preventing homelessness are essential to tackling reoffending, with those in work nearly 10% less likely to reoffend.
  • Intent to work with the Minister for Veterans' Affairs to provide opportunities for veterans, including equine job opportunities.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Jones Con
Justice & Courts Employment
Context

N/A

Question

What progress has been made on improving employment opportunities for ex-offenders?

Answer from Edward Argar

The proportion of prison leavers in employment six months after their release has more than doubled in the two years to March 2023. Significant reforms include prison employment leads and business-led employment advisory boards.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not specify a commitment for future improvements or actions beyond what is already achieved

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Andrew Jones Con
Justice & Courts Employment
Context

Ex-offenders face high risk of homelessness, being in work significantly reduces this risk.

Question

Will the Minister do everything possible across Government to ensure that ex-offenders leave custody with the best possible chance of getting a job?

Answer from Edward Argar

Securing employment and preventing homelessness are essential to tackling reoffending. Those in work are nearly 10% less likely to reoffend. Prisoners can meet a DWP prison work coach from 12 weeks before release for advice on benefits and employment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not specify a direct commitment or timeline beyond existing efforts

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Veterans
Context

Veterans often find themselves in prison and become ex-offenders, they can offer much to the community through rehabilitation and work.

Question

Has the Minister had any opportunity to work alongside the Minister for Veterans' Affairs to ensure that priority can be given to help veterans get over hard times and re-engage in society again?

Answer from Edward Argar

Intent to work with the Minister for Veterans' Affairs. A range of opportunities can work for veterans, including equine job opportunities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not specify a commitment or timeline for collaboration beyond intent

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email