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January 31 2017

Firms Who Hire Ex-Cons Should Be Given Tax Breaks

Ministers recently were urged to cut National Insurance contributions for firms that "actively" employ former convicts as part of efforts to tackle re-offending rates.

The Commons Work and Pensions Committee outlined a plan that supports the statistic that released prisoners who find jobs are far less likely to return to lives of crime. The Committee encouraged moves to remove the criminal record disclosure section on initial job applications for most civil service roles and recommended that the Government extend "ban the box" to all public bodies. Most would agree that employment support for offenders begins in prison with active work opportunities through Release on Temporary License.

The Government supports the importance of a smooth transition and introduced the Through the Gate provision in 2015. Provided by Community Rehabilitation Companies, services of the provision include support finding employment, securing accommodation, finance and debt advice, as well as help for victims of domestic abuse.