Prisoners train in festive employment roles

Prisoners and ex-offenders have been doing everything from packing turkeys to sorting presents this festive season.

Prisoners and ex-offenders across the country have worked in a range of festive roles in the run up to Christmas. 

As part of a wider push to drive up employment rates and improve skill sets among prison leavers, individuals have been packing turkeys and serving Christmas lunches. 

Prisoners from HMP Norwich were working with farming and food product business Bernard Matthews learning about food safety and manufacturing. 

Meanwhile offenders will also be serving lunches in Greene King pubs and have been training in hospitality. 

Others have been working in Sue Ryder charity shops and developing retail skills. 

Offenders released on licence must pass a strict risk assessment and obey strict licence conditions. The compliance rate stands at over 99%. 

Prisons Minister Damian Hinds said: “Getting prisoners into work to cut crime is a formula that is truly delivering the gifts this Christmas by making our streets safer. 

“From serving Christmas lunches to packaging up your turkey, more offenders than ever are spending their sentences picking up essential skills that will help them land work on release – ultimately turning their backs on crime for good.”