The Exceptionals - The Case

Why Employ
Someone With
A Conviction?

Employment is one of the key factors
in reducing reoffending. Nearly 80%
of offenders are reoffenders.

Employment cuts reoffending rates in half – from 35% to just 19% when employed 6 weeks after release.

The number of employers who have seen the advantage of hiring someone with a conviction has doubled in the last ten years from 12% in 2016 to 24% in 2026.

Key Statistics

13m

people in the UK have a
criminal record.

£65K

It costs the UK taxpayer £65K to keep one person in prison per year.

35%

Only 35% of prison leavers are in employment six months after release.

1/3

A third of businesses state that they are unable to address skills gaps in their workforce, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

The Business Case

92% of employers say diverse recruitment has enhanced their reputation, helping them win contracts and even awards.

65% of organisations that chose to promote inclusive recruitment in the media reported a positive effect on their corporate reputation.

81% of consumers believe businesses employing people with convictions are making a positive contribution to society.

They Are An Exceptional
Workforce

We’re proud to be working with ex-offenders and want to share the benefits to other employers to support more people into employment. Thank you to The Exceptionals for celebrating the work we have done.

Lisa CrawfordFormer Head of HR, HSS Hire

We’re trying to provide meaningful, long-lasting, inspiring careers for people. That’s really the heart of what we’re doing.

Thea TomisonDirector, Advisory, KPMG

It makes good business sense: we need a skilled construction workforce for the future and there is so much untapped talent in the prison estate.

Debbie AkehurstFormer Head of Economy and Communities, Landsec

If you want loyalty, resilience, the hardest working people, hire those who have faced and overcome challenges in life. They are survivors and doers. The best employees you can have.

Rick MowerManaging Director, RAW Workshop

At COOK, diversity and inclusion is about turning up to work, being part of something and being accepted just as you are. Whoever you are, whatever your past, whatever your background, whatever you believe. Turning up and being welcome.

Annie GaleHead of Social Impact, COOK

Our Rising Stars programme is about creating opportunities and recognising the potential in people. Several participants have gone on to secure permanent roles at Pret, demonstrating what can be achieved when people are given the opportunity and support to succeed.

Tanja MrnjausEmployment & Training Manager, The Pret Foundation