MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Accessing employment after leaving London’s prisons

Source: Mayor of London

The number of people being released from prison in London rose by 5 per cent in the year to March 2024, increasing from 9,070 to 9,520.1

Prison leavers who get a job are almost 10% less likely to reoffend, but London is below the national average for people finding employment within six weeks of leaving prison.2

Tomorrow, the London Assembly Economy, Culture and Skills Committee will meet with charities and a prison service representative to understand the challenges prison leavers face when seeking employment.

The guests are:

Panel 1 (14:00 – 15:25):

  • Jon Collins, Chief Executive, Prisoners’ Education Trust
  • Paul Clarkson, Director of Quality and Training, The Clink Charity 
  • Helena Hamilton, Head of Education, Skills and Work, HMP Wandsworth

Panel 2 (15:30 – 17:00):

  • Matt Randle, Director of Justice, Catch22
  • Penny Parker, Chief Executive Officer, StandOut
  • Sian Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Switchback

The meeting will take place on Wednesday 16 July 2025 from 2pm in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

Follow us @LondonAssembly.

MIL OSI United Kingdom