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Employing prisoners and prison leavers

New Futures Network (NFN) arranges partnerships between prisons and employers in England and Wales. The three types of partnerships that NFN support with are:

  • Prison industries
  • Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL)
  • Employment on release

These partnerships help you:

  • fill skills gaps in your business
  • reduce recruitment costs
  • increase staff retention
  • transform prison leavers' lives

Employer cost

Free government scheme but you may have your own business costs. If you recruit someone you must pay the minimum wage.

Employer responsibilities

Employers need to provide:

  • a safe work environment
  • a line manager to support, supervise and mentor
  • an induction which includes explaining relevant policies and procedures

Benefits of Employing prisoners and prison leavers

Over 400 businesses already work in partnership with prisons to provide work and employment opportunities.

Of those surveyed, more than 80% of employers positively rated those they employed as reliable and hard-working.

Case studies

Read about how businesses are working with serving prisoners and hiring prison leavers.

Offer prisoners and prison leavers employment

Register your interest on the New Futures Network website.

A member of the team will be in touch to discuss the process.

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