Every year, thousands of ex-offenders leave prison with the hope of rebuilding their lives, but outdated hiring practices often shut them out of the workforce. With over 12 million people in the UK holding criminal records, this untapped talent pool offers enormous potential. Forward-thinking companies are stepping up to embrace second-chance hiring, transforming lives and addressing labour shortages.
This article celebrates 10 UK businesses leading the way in creating inclusive workplaces through second-chance employment.
Meet the UK companies making a difference hiring ex-offenders
1. Timpson
"We believe in giving people a second chance. We don’t judge people on what they have done in the past, preferring instead to focus on what they can do in the future."
- Timpson
Timpson is widely celebrated as one of the foremost UK employers committed to second-chance hiring, employing ex-offenders and people with criminal records across its operations. Over 10% of its workforce consists of individuals with criminal records, who are trained through prison workshops to develop skills in customer service, repairs, and management.
The company also offers post-release support to ensure people with convictions achieve successful transitions into full-time employment. Timpson’s approach has set a benchmark for inclusive hiring in the retail industry, showcasing how businesses can prioritise personality and potential over past mistakes.
2. Greggs
"The passion and energy for work that comes from people who are given an opportunity to kick-start their careers, or to turn their lives around is clear for all to see and as a business, we feel extremely motivated to do all we can to give these people a fresh start."
- Greggs
Greggs has supported ex-offender employment since 2010, partnering with charities and community organisations to create pathways into the workforce. The company works closely with prison leavers, offering roles in food production and retail.
Their inclusive hiring practices align with a broader mission to reduce re-offending rates by providing stable part and full-time jobs. By helping people rebuild their lives, Greggs is contributing to stronger communities and a more diverse workforce.
3. Virgin Group
“Many of the people in prison have enormous entrepreneurial potential...There’s a huge pool of talent that’s being wasted.”
- Sir Richard Branson
The Virgin Group has long been an advocate for second-chance hiring, creating opportunities for ex-offenders across its diverse businesses. From hospitality to telecommunications, the company actively collaborates with prison programmes to recruit candidates and provide opportunities for people with a criminal record.
This initiative not only helps address skills shortages but also breaks down barriers to employment for individuals with criminal records. Virgin’s inclusive hiring practices are a prime example of how businesses can leverage untapped talent pools to drive success.
4. National Grid
National Grid’s Young Offender Programme equips ex-offenders with the technical skills needed for roles in the energy and utilities sectors. The programme, developed in partnership with UK prisons, focuses on developing an inclusive recruitment process that provides hands-on training and mentorship.
The company has reported a 96% retention rate among ex-offender hires, highlighting the success of its inclusive employment practices. By offering stable, long-term careers, National Grid demonstrates the transformative potential of second-chance hiring.
5. Pret A Manger
Pret A Manger’s Rising Stars programme provides three-month work placements for ex-offenders and individuals experiencing homelessness. These placements often lead to permanent roles, helping participant who have a criminal conviction gain valuable work experience and build confidence.
The initiative not only addresses workforce shortages in the food services industry but also strengthens Pret’s workplace culture. By supporting second-chance employment, Pret A Manger exemplifies how inclusive hiring can create social and business value.
6. Marks & Spencer
“We find our work is helping people that are more disadvantaged and have difficulty finding employment, and we do it because we believe that morally and ethically it is the right thing to do”
- Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer’s Marks & Start programme is a shining example of second-chance employment in action. The initiative provides individuals with criminal records the opportunity to gain work experience and secure long-term roles within the company.
By partnering with charity organisations, M&S ensures that candidates receive the support and guidance needed to succeed. The programme has been praised for its positive impact on workplace culture and its ability to foster loyalty among employees.
8. Iceland
“Not having the security of a paid job following release from prison can have a devastating impact on ex-offenders...These individuals deserve the second chance that we are giving them, and more needs to be done to ensure they are given the opportunity to succeed.”
- Iceland
Iceland’s Second Chance programme is designed to help ex-offenders in the UK reintegrate into society by providing stable, long-term employment opportunities. The initiative supports people with criminal convictions in transitioning back into the workforce, helping to reduce re-offending rates.
The supermarket chain also collaborates with rehabilitation programmes to offer training and mentorship, ensuring candidates have the tools they need to succeed. Iceland’s efforts highlight the role of businesses in driving societal change through inclusive hiring.
9. Greene King
"We are committed to championing social mobility through providing everybody, regardless of their background, with the chance to pursue a long-term career in the hospitality industry."
- Greene King
Greene King, one of the UK’s largest pub retailers and brewers, has actively supported second-chance hiring through partnerships with organisations like The Forward Trust. Their initiatives focus on providing training and employment opportunities for individuals with criminal records, particularly in hospitality roles such as kitchen and bar staff.
By offering structured support and skills development, Greene King has created pathways for ex-offenders to reintegrate into society while addressing staffing challenges in the hospitality sector. Their inclusive hiring practices are a testament to the value of tapping into unconventional talent pools.
10. Halfords
"We’re not just talking about prisoners, we’re talking about people who have a huge amount of potential and skills, and above all, it’s about changing people’s lives and giving them a second chance."
- Halfords
Halfords has embraced second-chance hiring as part of its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. The company provides training and employment opportunities for ex-offenders in roles ranging from customer service to automotive repairs.
By partnering with rehabilitation organisations, Halfords ensures that candidates receive the guidance and support they need to succeed. Their inclusive approach not only benefits ex-offenders, but also strengthens the company’s reputation as a socially responsible employer.
Building a better future with employment opportunities for ex-offenders
Inclusive hiring is both a moral responsibility and a practical solution for addressing labour shortages while fostering stronger, more diverse workforces. The UK companies highlighted here prove that hiring ex-offenders changes lives and benefits businesses alike. By supporting second-chance employment, organisations can lead the charge in promoting workplace inclusivity and unlocking hidden potential.
Ready to join the movement for inclusive hiring? Visit Offploy's employ page to discover how your organisation can benefit from employing ex-offenders and create a brighter future for your workforce.