A first-of-its-kind deal to get offenders into jobs and away from a life of crime has been signed between the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HMP Rochester.

The young offenders institution has entered into what is described as a "ground-breaking" local partnership agreement which will set seek to support offenders ahead of their release and slash reoffending rates.

Minister for Welfare Delivery, Will Quince, explained: “We are proud to be joining forces with Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) through this unique partnership and together we remain committed to ensuring prison leavers stay out of jail for good.

“Our dedicated teams of prison work coaches are passionate about finding work for prison leavers. Preparing them for employment and life back in the community before release we know can make a life-changing difference and help free them from crime.”

Prisons Minister Lucy Frazer added: “Helping prisoners find work is a crucial part of turning their lives around and cutting crime.

“This new partnership will mean prisoners are able to prepare for employment while they’re getting ready for release – benefitting them, the economy and society as a whole.”

The local partnership agreements form part of national partnership agreements which aim to support businesses by increasing opportunities and moving unemployed people into sustainable jobs.

It will support prisoners by bringing together many services from providing work experience and education in prison and beyond, through to support, training and employment opportunities for ex-offenders.

District manager for Rochester at the DWP, Sarah Kennett, said: “Everybody deserves a second chance. Many prison leavers want to make a change on release and return to a life of work, and that has to be beneficial for the economy.

“Together with support from HMPPS we encourage, support and prepare prisoners for employment because we know that a job can help turn their lives around, lift them from poverty, and that motivates us every day.”

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