Offenders supported back into work

Construction firm Carillion – who are building the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital  – are working with offenders to give them the chance to get back into employment when they complete their sentences.

Men in HMP Kennet have been studying for their Construction Skills Certification  (CSCS) diploma, which enables them to get work on a construction site.

The scheme has been funded by Carillion and supported by ‘Tomorrow’s People,’ a lottery funded charity. Of the 31 men who sat the test, 26 were successful.

Councillor Nick Small, Assistant Mayor and Cabinet member for Education, Employment and Skills said: “I was pleased to get the chance to visit HMP Kennet to see first hand the mobile CSCS testing unit.

“It’s important that the City Council supports the work being done by organisations like Job Centre Plus and Tomorrow’s People and employers like Carillion to rehabilitate offenders.

“All the evidence shows that getting ex-offenders back into work reduces re-offending rates.

“I believe that this initiative which allows prisoners to work towards getting a CSCS card while serving their sentences is a really good way of not only giving prisoners something constructive to do while they are serving their sentence but also improves their chances of getting back into work once they are released.”

Pictured is Cllr Nick Small (third from left) with other partners involved in the scheme.

 

Liverpool Waterfront