New ‘one-stop shop’ aims to get more ex-offenders into work

A Greggs shop - Image credit: Greggs/PA Archive/PA Images

A new service that aims to get more ex-offenders into work has been launched in Scotland.

Release Scotland will be a ‘one-stop shop’ for employers looking for help in recruiting people with criminal convictions.

The website, which is being launched today, will offer businesses help with practical steps in the recruitment process and creating a supportive work environment.

The service is being launched by a network of employers, including Greggs, Virgin Trains, Timpson and Reed Global, which have experience of employing those with convictions, alongside the Scottish Chambers of Commerce.

It has the backing of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Prison Service, charities, as well as cross-party support within the parliament.

Greggs has a dedicated ‘Fresh Start’ programme that offers support to people who find getting a job through conventional routes more difficult.

Roisin Currie, People and Retail Director at Greggs, said: "We’ve a long-standing history of working with people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including people with convictions.

“The passion and energy for work that comes from people who are given an opportunity to kick-start their careers, or to turn their lives around is clear for all to see and as a business, we feel extremely motivated to do all we can to give these people a ‘fresh start’.”

Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, said: “Recruiting people with convictions is not only good for society, it is smart business practice.

“We've identified people with talent, ambition and drive at Virgin Trains by looking beyond their criminal record and seeing what they have to offer.”

James Timpson, chief executive of Timpson Group, said that recruiting people with convictions had been a “significant factor” in the continued success of the business.

More than a third of all male adults in Scotland have a conviction in their past and nine per cent of women, but research has shown that three-quarters of companies in the UK would not consider recruiting someone with a criminal record.

Getting a job is recognised as a key factor in helping people with a criminal record turn their lives around and avoid reoffending and the businesses involved are calling on other employers to consider what this group of employees can offer.

Release Scotland will be formally launched at a reception at the Scottish Parliament this evening, hosted by Scottish Conservative deputy leader Jackson Carlaw.

Pete White of Release Scotland said: “We believe that people with convictions, of whatever sort are far less likely to re-offend if they are given an opportunity to work.

“Not only does reducing the level of reoffending mean there will be fewer victims of crime and less harm done, but as employed taxpayers, people with convictions are better able to contribute to the task of making Scotland a better place.”

Liz Cameron OBE, Director and CEO, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “I would encourage all employers to connect with Release Scotland and start to engage with this important network.

“Understanding the recruitment benefits of hiring people with convictions and getting to grips with the practical aspects will enable businesses to expand their recruitment pool.

“It also offers an excellent opportunity to link up with existing employers who have had success in recruiting people with convictions such as Virgin Trains, Greggs and Timpson.”

Speaking ahead of the launch, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said: “The Scottish Government supports the aims of Release Scotland and we are committed to helping more men and women with a criminal record turn their lives around and gain employment. 

by Dr Hannah Graham

Management of Offenders Bill proposes more electronic monitoring and less disclosure of past convictions

“Through the ‘Scotland Works for You’ initiative, we aim to help people with convictions attain the benefits that work brings for reducing reoffending and also, for employers, in finding loyal and dedicated staff. 

“Proposals to reduce the period of time an individual has to disclose a previous conviction to employers recently introduced to parliament by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice will also aid this process.”