‘Give ex convicts the opportunity to work’

Reducing barriers to the labour market for those leaving prison would assist employers to find new talent and help cut reoffending, a conference has heard.

The seminar, entitled Working with Conviction and organised by the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT), also heard that finding the right staff is an increasing challenge for employers, and that suitable candidates who have convictions tend to show increased loyalty once in a job.

A keynote speech at the event was given by James Timpson, the chief executive of the UK-based Timpson Limited, which employs more than 400 people with convictions, including those who have served prison sentences.