Wigan businesses asked to help ex-prisoners secure jobs

A social enterprise is calling for the borough’s construction sector to provide opportunities for people to work with them after leaving HMP Hindley.

Entrepreneurs Unlocked works with prison leavers to prepare them for life outside by becoming self-employed, providing them with the support and tools to do this.

An initiative sees them given help to pursue a career in construction as a sub-contractor.

It has been funded by HM Prison and Probation Service through Clinks’ Covid-19 winter support grants programme to deliver its Smart Subcontracting programme.

Entrepreneurs Unlocked now needs the help of construction businesses across the borough and is asking them to give people leaving HMP Hindley an opportunity to work for them after completing the programme.

David Morgan, founder and director of Entrepreneurs Unlocked, said: “The labour market will be challenging in the future, but with construction spending set to rise, self-employment can be a sustainable pathway for prison leavers.

“We are looking for construction businesses, initially in Wigan and Leigh and across the North West, to work with us to provide opportunities for prison leavers who have successfully completed our programme and to help give these men a chance to return to society with a new start and a new career in construction.”

Lucy Clayson, learning and skills manager at HMP Hindley, said: “This route provides sustainable employment and career progression that combines both an area of high interest amongst our population, with a labour market set to see high growth in the area of construction.

“The Smart Subcontracting programme provides an excellent opportunity for men to leave HMP Hindley equipped with the knowledge and skills to support successful self-employment within the construction sector and will also reduce the risk of them reoffending.”

The programme includes practical advice on where to look for work, how to stay in work, and how to manage money and comply with the requirements of HMRC.

It will also provide essential CITB health and safety in a construction environment and learning resources to prepare participants to gain the necessary qualification and their CSCS labourer card.

Prison leavers who complete the programme will be given assistance in registering with the HMRC, access to online accountancy software and the support needed to start work as a self-employed subcontractor.

To find out more about the programme, visit entrepreneursunlocked.org or contact David Morgan by emailing [email protected]

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