Ex-Offenders: Training and Employment

Baroness Eaton Excerpts

Monday 5th November 2018 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Vere of Norbiton]

I completely agree with the noble Lord. Arsenal is leading the way in this. I would like all Premier League football clubs to do the same in their local communities.

[Baroness Eaton (Con)]

My Lords, does the Minister think that an extension of the temporary release scheme would help in this context?

[Baroness Vere of Norbiton]

My noble friend makes a very good point. If we can get prisoners out of prison and into the community to undertake some work experience, that will be hugely beneficial. At the moment, 7,500 prisoners have had at least one release—an increase of 7%—and we are looking at more ways to improve this. We have allowed governors to tailor their ROTL regime by prisoner, and we are developing a new framework for ROTL to ensure that more of the more appropriate prisoners can get out to get the valuable work experience that they need.