Firms learn about giving a second chance

Highland employers have gathered to hear how their “Courage of Conviction” could give youngsters a second chance in life.

The Highland Community

Justice Partnership (CJP) hosted an evening of speakers and conversation for businesses in the Highlands to ask for support in considering employing people with convictions.

The event primarily focused on the difficulties and barriers experienced by those who have convictions in gaining employment. Speakers from as far afield as Belfast, Manchester and Glasgow talked about how gaining employment can be a turning point in someone’s life.

“I’d be mad to turn away profit because I don’t want to employ someone who happens to have been to prison for a bit of their life,” said James Timpson, chief executive of Timpson Ltd.

During the event, businesses were provided with information on how barriers can be overcome, how they can assist in providing opportunities for those people who are disadvantaged and what assistance is available to them to help provide such opportunities.