Oral Answers to Questions

David Amess Excerpts

Tuesday 8th December 2015 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

7. What steps his Department is taking to improve prisons’ engagement with employers; and if he will make a statement.

[Sir David Amess (Southend West) (Con)]

12. What steps his Department is taking to improve prisons’ engagement with employers; and if he will make a statement.

[Rebecca Harris (Castle Point) (Con)]

13. What steps his Department is taking to improve the employment prospects of prisoners.

--- Later in debate ---

[Michael Gove]

I wholeheartedly welcome its work, and I commend its efforts to other companies. About 20% of companies employ ex-offenders, but as many as 90% of companies have expressed an interest in doing so. I suspect that the example set by the employer in my hon. Friend’s constituency will inspire more companies to support ex-offenders into work.

[Sir David Amess]

Given that prison is an expensive option, does my right hon. Friend agree that it makes moral sense to give people who wish to turn their lives around the opportunity to work? Does he also agree that that makes sound business sense, because those people are often hard-working and very loyal employees?

[Michael Gove]

My hon. Friend makes a powerful point. It is economically sensible to ensure that ex-offenders are in work—about 22% of those in receipt of out-of-work benefits are ex-offenders—and it makes moral sense to give people dignity and a chance to redeem themselves by contributing economically to society.