Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 35
35
Rejected
Paragraph: 148
Our inquiry has shone a light on the benefits of prisoners being able to take...
Conclusion
Our inquiry has shone a light on the benefits of prisoners being able to take apprenticeships. We are pleased that the Government has listened to the weight of evidence submitted to us on this issue, and will amend current Government policy. It is imperative that there is no delay in the introduction of this policy. The Ministry of Justice must confirm by the Summer that the necessary changes to legislation to allow prisoners to take up apprenticeships will be made later this year.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government rejects the recommendation but plans to change the law later this year to enable serving prisoners to start apprenticeships and will continue to explore what more can be done to incentivise and reduce barriers to employers taking on prisoner and prison leavers.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
148
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government · verbatim extract
Rejected
Government Response: Not just another brick in the wall: why prisoners need an education 15 to climb the ladder of opportunity We accept this recommendation. Apprenticeships offer prisoners a life-changing chance to gain the skills they need to secure a rewarding career. Evidence shows that prison leavers in work are significantly less likely to re-offend and that businesses benefit from hiring ex-offenders. Together with the MoJ, DfE is working at pace to introduce apprenticeships for those in prison and who are close to being released. We expect to make the necessary changes to legislation by the autumn to allow the first apprenticeship starts in the autumn. Initially, up to 100 prisoners a year will be supported to begin an apprenticeship in custody.
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