Boris asks construction to employ more young offenders

His office cited research that shows that those ex-offenders who manage to find employment are 50% less likely to re-offend.

The mayor is ensuring opportunities are available on the Greater London Authority’s construction projects and wants to see more schemes like the Olympic Delivery Authority’s pilot programme, where they are providing work placements for up to 60 ex-offenders on the Olympic Park to help open up permanent employment opportunities in the construction industry.

Yesterday (Monday) the Mayor met ex-offenders who have completed a construction training course run by the Mayor’s Office and the Prince’s Trust, including Shingai Musonza who is now working on the Crossrail project.

Mayor Johnson said: “Ex-offenders deserve a second chance to turn their lives around and make an honest living. I’m asking the construction sector to get on board and offer our young people real opportunities on the abundance of exciting construction contracts we have in the capital.

“In these tough economic times it is hard for everyone out of work, but teenagers with criminal records often hit a brick wall. For every person we keep out of the prison system we potentially save tax payers £50,000 a year. I commend the companies already making great progress and encourage all firms to help us cut crime and offer work to ex-offenders.”

20-year-old Shingai Musonza served a two-year prison sentence before completing  the ‘Get into Construction’ training course organised by the Mayor and The Prince’s Trust.  Shingai has just started a job as a banksman for on the Crossrail project for Costain.

Shingai said: “I had always thought of working in the construction industry but didn’t know where to start. On the course, I learnt the skills that I needed to find work and I became really determined to succeed. I was really happy when I found out I got the job. It’s really suited to my skills and I love being outdoors doing something hands-on. I believe that everyone can change, no matter what their background. I’m so grateful to have been given a second chance.”

The Mayor’s Office has worked in partnership with the Prince’s Trust, Probation Service, and training organsiations to deliver the ‘Get Into construction’ training programme for young ex-offenders. Participants were assessed to ensure they were sufficiently motivated and ready for work.

Martina Milburn, chief executive of The Prince’s Trust, said: “Every day at The Prince’s Trust we meet another young person who has grown up without a positive adult role model or got involved with the wrong crowd, ending up in prison. Too many of these young people leave prison with few aspirations and little hope for the future, so many end up behind bars again.

“Only by giving them the skills and support to turn their lives around through courses like our Get into Construction scheme can we break this cycle and save the economy billions each year. It’s now more important than ever for charities, employers and local authorities to work together, helping young offenders turn their lives around.”

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