“As well as making our streets safer, helping offenders into work will enable employers to fill vacancies and plug our skills gaps,” she said.
The Employment Councils will provide practical support to probation staff, who are already involved in assisting offenders in their search for employment.
The councils will help staff better understand the local job market and foster relationships with employers who are open to hiring offenders. Work coaches from the DWP will also be involved, providing assistance with mock interviews, CV writing, and job training opportunities.
“This work is vital in our Plan for Change as we begin our task of fixing the fundamentals of the social security system and progress with wider work to reduce poverty, put more money in people’s pockets and keep our streets safe,” Sherlock said.