One year ago, research commissioned by Sodexo found that while 62% of UK private sector businesses were facing recruitment challenges, a third had not considered hiring ex-offenders.
These findings informed the launch of Starting Fresh, which leverages Sodexo’s extensive experience in managing prisons and as an inclusive employer, to advocate for and provide employment opportunities for this often overlooked group.
The initiative has facilitated over 300 job opportunities through many new partnerships with companies like Marriott Hotels, Burger King and Iceland.
Sodexo has created a toolkit for Members of Parliament to use within their constituencies to encourage businesses to consider hiring ex-offenders and to offer valuable information about finding employment to their constituents with a criminal background.
Tony Simpson, justice operations director at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: "We believe in the transformative power of gainful employment for people with criminal convictions, and are keen to drive recognition of the immense value they can bring to both businesses and the communities they serve.
“Nearly 50,000 people leave prison every year, many emerging with formal qualifications they didn’t have before in construction, cleaning, catering, hospitality, hairdressing and many other areas.
“They are skilled and job-ready, equipped with the skills, qualifications and experience to transition into the workforce. Our employer toolkit has been built to help organisations proactively engage with our prisons and partners to start the hiring process with prison-leavers."