Ex-offenders: Employment

Oral Answers to Questions — Work and Pensions – in the House of Commons at on 13 May 2019.

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Photo of Mark Menzies Mark Menzies Conservative, Fylde

What steps the Government are taking to support ex-offenders into employment.

Photo of Will Quince Will Quince The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

The Government know that getting ex-offenders into work is a crucial part of rehabilitation. DWP prison work coaches and jobcentre work coaches provide tailored support to ex-offenders. The DWP works collaboratively with Ministry of Justice on its education and employment strategy, creating a system where prisoners are on a path to employment as soon as they enter prison.

Photo of Mark Menzies Mark Menzies Conservative, Fylde

People from all walks of life have to undergo work capability assessments, but ex-offenders have complex needs and often institutionalised experiences. What measures is my hon. Friend taking to ensure that the assessors themselves are taking the appropriate measures?

Photo of Will Quince Will Quince The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

My hon. Friend raises a good point. Healthcare professionals are subject to a rigorous recruitment process, followed by a comprehensive training programme in disability assessment for physical and mental health conditions, and have to be approved by the Department. They are then required to complete a programme of continuing professional development.

Photo of Ellie Reeves Ellie Reeves Labour, Lewisham West and Penge

Reoffending rates among those who have served a sentence of less than 12 months are a staggering 64%. The Ministry of Justice has signalled a clear intent to move away from this model of sentencing. What discussions have Ministers had with the Ministry of Justice about ensuring that community-based sentences have substantive support around employment to ensure that reoffending is curbed and sentences deliver meaningful rehabilitation and workplace opportunities?

Photo of Will Quince Will Quince The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

I thank the hon. Lady for her question. Being relatively new in post, I have not had those conversations as yet, but I do work very closely with my counterpart at the Ministry of Justice and will be having such conversations.