In the UK, there are over 85,000 prisoners, with around 50,000 of them being between 20 and 40 years old, a prime working age. However, only 4% of prisoners secure employment within six weeks of their release, contributing to high reoffending rates.
Companies have the opportunity to create significant social impact by partnering with charities like Recycling Lives. These employment organisations offer programs that rehabilitate, train, and employ individuals while they are still in prison. By setting up small factories, workshops, or call centres within prisons, companies can engage with inmates who are eager to rebuild their lives. Many offenders are determined to change, and with the support of professional organisations like Recycling Lives—which helps build self-confidence, develop skills, secure housing, and address substance misuse—this transformation is possible. Employment opportunities can then follow. While reoffending rates can reach as high as 50%, with the support of Recycling Lives, this figure drops to just 5%. Moreover, individuals given a second chance often demonstrate exceptional loyalty and work ethic, surpassing standard expectations.
View and listen to the podcast where whatimpact CEO Tiia Sammallahti is interviewing the CEO Alasdair Jackson from Recycling Lives on how to deliver social value through employment by giving the human resources department, other employees and the ex-offenders the support they need.
Click HERE to watch the full podcast episode on Youtube!
