MS says Welsh businesses should consider hiring ex-offenders
This call comes from Jack Sargeant, the Welsh minister for culture, skills and social partnership, who highlights the potential of this often-overlooked talent pool in alleviating workforce shortages.
In a statement, Mr Sargeant said: "Around a quarter of the UK population has a conviction.
"That's a significant number of people with valuable skills, experience, and knowledge who can make a positive contribution to society – and potentially to your business or organisation as well."
Ex-offenders, many of whom have developed new skills during their time in prison, are seen as a resource to help address challenges such as inflation and rising costs, which are currently hampering Welsh small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Support is available from His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), Working Wales, and the Department for Work and Pensions, offering free access to talent.
Prisons across Wales are providing training in areas experiencing skills shortages, such as construction, hospitality, digital technologies, manufacturing, warehousing, and green and net-zero courses.
He said research shows that 86 per cent of employers rate ex-offenders as good at their jobs.
Businesses are encouraged to contact Business Wales for advice and resources on accessing training and funding opportunities.
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