Ex-Prisoner To Be Referred Direct To Work Programme

Prisoners who claim jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) once they leave prison will be immediately referred to the Work Experience scheme, losing their entitlement if they refuse to take part. Employment minister Chris Grayling has claimed it is an effort to reduce reoffending.

In order to make the immediate referral Jobcentre Plus staff will process prisoner’s claims for JSA while they are still in prison. Currently people must be claiming JSA for 9 to 12 months before being referred to the Work Programme.

Further to the plan employers will also be rewarded in a payments by result system for prisoners that will see them paid according to the number of ex-offenders they recruit.

Participants in the Work Programme will receive a fee of £5,600 for each prisoner they place, and help stay, in employment for up to two years. Employers will also be expected to begin providing prisoners awaiting release information about job opportunities.

Figure show that one third of JSA claimants have a criminal record, with 28% of those receiving employment support allowance, the benefit for the sick and disabled.

Nearly three-quarters of offenders claimed an out of work benefit within two years of leaving prison. A total of 30,000 former prisoners are claiming JSA within three months of leaving prison.

"Getting former offenders into work is absolutely crucial to tackling our crime challenge" Grayling said. "The rate of reoffending in Britain is far too high, and we have to reduce it. In the past we just sent people out onto the same streets where they offended in the first place with virtually no money and very little support."

(H/GK)