Jailed criminals 'should be released to do work experience', report suggests

Recommendations from a group of prison reformers also suggested there should be a "day release" programme for inmates to visit Jobcentres and colleges.

Such a move would allow criminals to feel "empowered by the autonomy this would bring", the report claimed.

It suggested that the voice of the "user" was becoming increasingly important in the criminal justice system.

A report says offenders should be given day release to take part in work experience

Offenders' charity Clinks also suggested that prisons and other parts of the criminal justice system should employ ex-criminals.

All the measures would improve rehabilitation and reduce crime, said a taskforce set up by the organisation.

"There was widespread support for work experience while in prison, even extending to work outside the prison walls, with opportunities offered regardless of the length of sentence," the report said.

It continued: "There was also support for day release, such as visits to Jobcentres or college open days. The key benefit highlighted would be to feel empowered by the autonomy this would bring in preparedness for resettlement."

The report also recommended that ex-offenders should play a key role in training workers in the criminal justice system, such as prison and probation officers, with former criminals appointed to probation boards and other organisations in the sector.

Taskforce chairman Rob Allen said: "In other areas of social policy it is common to engage with people to ensure their treatment and recovery is effective.

"But in the field of criminal justice, it is as though a conviction removes any chance of having your point of view taken seriously.

"By working with these groups, who have unique insights into how prisons, probation and other agencies work in practice, we can develop services and policies that address their real needs and improve the chances of productive and crime-free lives."

A Department for Work and Pensions spokeswoman said: "It is essential that people in custody and ex-offenders have access to jobs, training and advice as part of their rehabilitation.

"We already have a wide range of programmes and initiatives which have helped thousands of offenders to enter work and training.

"We want to build upon this and do more to help people in custody and ex-offenders to enter work and training, reduce the risk of re-offending and enable them to make a valuable contribution to society."

Juliet Lyon, director of the Prison Reform Trust, said: "This report shows how the criminal justice system could be re-invigorated by imaginative use of the experience, knowledge and energy of former offenders and their families.

"A step change in their involvement would be far more worthwhile and effective in reducing re-offending than the draconian and hugely expensive plans to build Titan jails."