Prisoner work scheme a success

Shaw Trust Scotland, an employment charity, ran the scheme at HMP Low Moss.

Of the 11 inmates who took part, six are now employed while the other five have secured jobs on release.

The charity said the scheme is meant to tackle-reoffending, with participants being given advice and training in CV and interview skills 12 weeks before release.

Suitable employers visited prisoners to interview them for roles upon their release.

Ashley McCloy, operations manager for Shaw Trust in Scotland, said: “Offenders are less likely to commit crime after release if they are given the tools to change their lives for the better and can see a clear route into employment.

“Given the success of the pilot, Shaw Trust Scotland is looking to offer the programme to more prisoners at HMP Low Moss, with a long-term view of integrating it into the core services offered at prisons across the country.”