Doing bird! Cons work for Bernard Matthews turkey firm

TURKEY producer Bernard Matthews has employed prisoners to plug vacancies and ensure its birds reach tables this Christmas.

Almost 100 serving or former inmates are working across the poultry and hospitality sector as part of a Government drive to rehabilitate criminals.

Earlier this year it was reported that the meat processing industry had 14,000 vacancies – roughly 15 per cent of the workforce – and firms have been keen to link up with prisoners on day release to help fill the gaps.

Bernard Matthews is employing nine prisoners and six former inmates at its Norwich factory.

Training manager Bryan Hurst said: ‘The work we do with HMP Norwich gives individuals the opportunity to change their lives.

‘Not only does this help them, but it reduces reoffending. It also massively benefits us as a company because these people are reliable, work extremely hard, and they really appreciate the opportunity.’

Justice Secretary Dominic Raab recently unveiled a prisons strategy White Paper that recommitted the Government to help prisoners gain education and skills to lower the chance of reoffending.

Pub retail and brewing chain Greene King is also taking part in the drive to recruit offenders. It has taken on 79 prisoners since 2019 and employed another eight on day release this month.

Graham Briggs, the firm’s head of apprenticeships, said: ‘We believe it is important to focus on an individual’s future and their potential, not their past. These opportunities help individuals move forward in life.’