Inmates at a Buckinghamshire prison were given the opportunity to learn new skills in a specially organised workshop.
HMP Springhill in Grendon Underwood invited many companies across the county which ranged from tool hire, rail to the laundry business on Tuesday, March 3, where they hope to give offenders a second chance once they are released.
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Many employers have found that ex-offenders can be more committed and hardworking than the wider workforce, which results in lower levels of sickness absence and staff turnover rates for a business.
Becky Hayward, governor of HMP Springhill said: “This is the fourth time that we have invited employers to meet men at Springhill and it was a hugely successful event.
“It was brilliant to see so much support for men to obtain employment both from prison on release on temporary license and after release in their home areas.
HMP Springhill in Grendon Underwood
“We know how significant it is to have a job after release, but it is also important for men to meet employers who are willing to offer them a chance, give them hope for the future and see their skills and value.
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“I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this fabulous event.”
Currently in the UK, there are more than 300 businesses who take on ex-offenders and with many large employers in attendance last week such as HSS Hire, ARC Rail Training and Clean Linen, prison officials hope those who will leave the prison in the near future will get work.
Many of these businesses are already benefitting from working with ex-offenders in other parts of the country and are looking to expand their offer to prisoners at HMP Springhill.
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Lisa Crawford, head of human resources at HSS Hire said: “At HSS Hire, we’re always looking for skilled and ambitious people to join our business, and that is exactly what we found at HMP Springhill.
“Many of these men are keen to turn their lives around, and to be a part of that and encourage their development is really rewarding.”
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