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To engage offenders with the prospect of a job with Blue Sky on release from prison and a long-term career thereafter: hope and purpose to rebuild lives and to reduce re-offending. The project will build on Blue Sky’s significant achievement over the last 10 having employed over 1,000 ex-offenders.
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Situation
60% of prisoners re-offend within 2 years, costing the public £13bn pa. Having a job reduces re-offending by up to 50% yet 75% of prisoners are released to unemployment. It is 8 times more difficult for a person with a criminal record to find a job than someone without. 47% of prisoners have no qualifications. Meanwhile, industry sectors such as waste recycling, rail, and logistics are experiencing a skills gap. Vocational workforces are getting older with too few new recruits to replace them.
Solution
Blue Sky creates entry-level jobs for ex-offenders by offering companies (such as Amey and Veolia) an alternative to agency labour. As well as a 6-month contract, Blue Sky helps ex-offenders find onward jobs – 40% go on to permanent employment, often with our commercial clients. The project will promote Blue Sky’s employment pathway for the first time within prisons – engaging and motivating prisoners at the best stage possible, releasing them to the prospect of a job and a crime-free future.