Business and charities join forces to tackle cycle of reoffending

Derek Mackay

Release Scotland aims to provide a one-stop shop for employers in Scotland seeking advice and help with recruiting people with convictions when it launches today.

Major employers including Greggs, Virgin Trains, Timpson and Reed Global and business network, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, have come together to launch the partnership in a bid to demonstrate the positive role people with convictions can play in helping businesses succeed.

Getting a job is known to be one of the key factors in successfully rehabilitating people with a criminal record. However, research has shown that three-quarters of companies in the UK would not consider recruiting someone with a criminal record.

Speaking ahead of the launch of Release Scotland at the Scottish Parliament tonight, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said: “There are clear social and economic benefits to helping people with convictions move on and play a positive role in helping Scotland’s economy flourish. The Scottish government supports the aims of Release Scotland and we are committed to helping more men and women with a criminal record turn their lives around and gain employment.

“Through the ‘Scotland Works for You’ initiative, we aim to help people with convictions attain the benefits that work brings for reducing reoffending and also, for employers, in finding loyal and dedicated staff. Proposals to reduce the period of time an individual has to disclose a previous conviction to employers recently introduced to Parliament by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice will also aid this process.”

Pete White, Release Scotland, said: “We believe that people with convictions, of whatever sort are far less likely to re-offend if they are given an opportunity to work. Not only does reducing the level of reoffending mean there will be fewer victims of crime and less harm done, but as employed taxpayers, people with convictions are better able to contribute to the task of making Scotland a better place.”

“It’s generally understood that people who have come through the justice system and will start work, will probably be committed to doing the best they can in the workplace, often over and above the call of duty, so there are clear benefits for business. In addition, the fact that big companies such as Virgin, Greggs and Timpson are known to employ people with convictions, far from damaging their brands, has enhanced them.”