Ryan FowlerKPMG UK has partnered with the government in a pioneering initiative to employ prison leavers, marking its entry as the first white-collar firm in Britain to integrate ex-offenders into its workforce. This collaboration is part of a wider national campaign aimed at encouraging major businesses to recruit prison leavers to reduce reoffending and contribute to economic growth.
The initiative, supported by a £200 million investment, seeks to address significant labor shortages and the estimated £18 billion annual cost of reoffending. KPMG UK has already positioned prison leavers in various roles within the company, particularly focusing on technology development.
Prisons and Probation Minister Ed Argar stated: “Our drive to get ex-offenders into employment is not only cutting crime and reoffending but is also growing the economy as part of our long-term plan for growth, which is why we’ve partnered with KPMG UK to encourage other businesses to follow suit.”
Jon Holt, chief executive of KPMG UK, commented on the firm’s commitment: “Our longstanding focus on social mobility is about giving everyone – regardless of their background – the chance to succeed. I believe reformed prison leavers should be no exception.”
The program not only aims to provide employment but also supports ex-offenders through mentoring, skills workshops, and integration initiatives such as the Redemption Roasters coffee shop located in KPMG’s head office.
An ex-offender and current KPMG UK employee shared his experience: “It was rejection after rejection, businesses never looked beyond my criminal record… To get a job at KPMG – it’s a miracle. It put me on the right path. I could have gone down a totally different path, but now I’m putting the past behind me and have a bright future. That’s all thanks to KPMG giving me a chance.”
This recruitment drive is part of the New Futures Network strategy, a specialist employment team that connects hiring businesses with prisons to help fill their vacancies. The initiative is complemented by the introduction of dedicated employment leads in prisons, the establishment of Employment Hubs across the prison estate, and the rollout of Employment Advisory Boards linked with local prisons.
