[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2h_GIP019c]
A clarion call for employment of ex-offenders
http://www.stgilestrust.org.uk/s/news/p148558/a-clarion-call-for-employment-of-ex-offenders.html
“In the face of rising unemployment, St Giles Trust Chief Executive Rob Owen sets out why companies should not disregard people with a criminal record.
WITH my former career in the City, I’ve always been hammering on about how corporates should support our work. Recently, we’ve been lucky to benefit from the support of two very prestigious companies – investment firm Liberum through their newly established charitable trust and global accountancy firm Price Waterhouse Coopers”…………..
Hiring ex-offenders and homeless morally right, says M&S
It also makes good business sense!!!
“Hiring people from disadvantaged groups is not only “ethically right” but benefits business performance, according to the HR director of Marks and Spencer.Speaking at the Talent Pipeline Conference , organised by the Employers Forum on Age and Employers Forum on Belief, Tanith Dodge outlined how the retailer encouraged a workforce diverse in age, and was working with the third sector to deliver development programmes for ex-offenders, homeless people and school leavers. ”
Negativity remains toward ex-offenders
http://www.recruiter.co.uk/negativity-remains-toward-ex-offenders/1007236.article
….
“The performance of ex-offenders contravenes perception among employers which have no experience working with them. Research by Working Links found 77% of resourcing professionals that had not hired ex-offenders thought that these candidates would be less or much less honest, and 42% thought that they would be less conscientious. However, only 7% of employers who have hired ex-offenders said they had a negative experience.”…
Ex-offenders’ bosses feel their work is legit
http://www.recruiter.co.uk/ex-offenders%E2%80%99-bosses-feel-their-work-is-legit/1011593.article
…
“A third of employers have taken on an ex-offender in their company, with over half rating their experiences as positive, according to a survey from the consultancy CfBT Education Trust.”…
Consistent with what we know. There is a great underused pool of talent.
Employing more ex-offenders – Richard’s Blog – Virgin.com
Employing more ex-offenders – Richard’s Blog – Virgin.com.
“I would like to encourage more companies to proactively recruit ex-offenders. Our experience of this within Virgin has been wholly positive – particularly when working with organisations such as Working Chance, who offer restorative recruitment for women offenders.
I believe our society should do more to support positive initiatives to encourage the rehabilitation of prisoners. We should create more chances for people who have been in jail to make a positive contribution to the workforce.
In Australia, Toll, the transport and logistics group – working with WISE Employment – makes a point of doing exactly this and has employed a number of former prisoners. In the UK, Timpson, the key cutting and shoe repair business, has created a successful programme too.
If many more companies could follow their example then many more ex-offenders would be able to find a purpose in life, worthwhile employment – and everyone would benefit.
Research has shown that most ex-offenders are more committed and willing to do more than just the job. They are grateful for the opportunity to do something worthwhile rather than falling back on their former ways and circumstances.
People often start offending because of an unfortunate upbringing or bad circumstances within their families. Maybe a good employer and the positive influence of work colleagues can, in part, be a replacement for a dysfunctional family.”
Small businesses: Building community through hiring – CSMonitor.com
Small businesses: Building community through hiring – CSMonitor.com.
…”Which Wich (a sandwich shop franchise) has found the employees re-entering society to be hard-working, determined and bringing a positive attitude to the other employees and customers,” said Tracie Maybaum, a Which Wich general manager. “One of the most beneficial assets they bring to work is their attitude. Theirs positivity influences other employees, and their gratitude is motivating.”…..
HR Magazine – UK Power Networks to work with Business in the Community, to help ex-offenders back to work
East Anglia: Business in the Community urges more firms to help ex-offenders – Business – East Anglian Daily Times
……BITC regional director Mike Brophy said: “In a recession you need to look at every possible avenue so you can be competitive in your industry. You don’t want to be missing out on talented individuals.” ……..