Insights Report Launch
September 22, 2025Posted by:
Earlier this year, PeoplePlus convened a justice and rehabilitation roundtable through its Social Recruitment Advocacy Group (SRAG). Employers, policymakers and social value leaders came together to explore how we can we create better pathways into work for people leaving prison.
The discussion topics included: the stigma that sadly still affects recruitment of offenders; the immediate barriers that prisoners face on release; and the crucial role that employment plays in reducing reoffending. Employers clearly want to play their part, but they need the right support and structures to do so. Out of those conversations, came a new report which is published today, Unlocking Potential: Employment Pathways for Prison Leavers in the UK - Read it here
The report sets out five strategic recommendations to create a more inclusive employment landscape:
- Develop a cross-programme referral scheme with agreed quality standards so employers can confidently recruit from accredited initiatives.
- Incentivise employers through measures such as a 12-month National Insurance holiday for prison leavers, mirroring existing schemes for veterans.
- Strengthen employer support with a national programme that shares practical guidance, tackles stigma, and showcases proven success stories.
- Address structural barriers like housing, transport, and digital access, alongside reforms to processes such as DBS checks and Release on Temporary Licence.
- Introduce a dedicated job-matching platform where inclusive employers can connect directly with prison leavers seeking work.
The next step is to build on the momentum of the roundtable by expanding it into a robust advocacy group. This group will provide a collective voice to influence policy, share best practice, and open up more opportunities for prison leavers across the UK. If you or your organisation would like to be part of this work, please contact us at [email protected]
September 22, 2025Posted by:
