Help for former offenders’ employers

A service aimed at providing help to employers who are recruiting ex-offenders has been launched in Scotland.

Release Scotland will provide a “one-stop shop” for firms taking on staff with criminal convictions.

It has been set up as a partnership by employers including Greggs, Virgin Trains, Timpson and Reed Global alongside the Scottish Chambers of Commerce.

The initiative is also backed the Scottish Prison Service and the Scottish Government.

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce said research has shown that three-quarters of companies in the UK would not consider recruiting someone with a criminal record.

Through the www.releasescotland.com website, employers will be offered help with practical steps in the recruitment process.

The Release Scotland partnership also aims to widen understanding of the benefits that people who have been through the justice system can bring to a business.

Pete White, of Release Scotland, said: “We believe that people with convictions, of whatever sort, are far less likely to re-offend if they are given an opportunity to work. Not only does reducing the level of reoffending mean there will be fewer victims of crime and less harm done, but as employed taxpayers, people with convictions are better able to contribute to the task of making Scotland a better place.”