Our offender skills and employment pages provide information on Government policy for the general public, journalists and researchers and offer signposts to further sources of information
Offender skills and employment is a key contributor to the Government's Skills for Life and Skills Strategies and is a central part of the Ministry of Justice's action plan to reduce re-offending.
Re-Offending is costly to society, both in economic and social terms. A re-offending former prisoner costs on average £65,000 to re-imprison and £40,000 a year whilst they are in prison.
While punishment will always be a primary aim of the criminal justice system, the Government is determined to do more to turn offenders away from crime and into work, improving their skills, and encouraging them to lead productive lives.