EX-OFFENDERS, THE LABOUR MARKET AND THE NEW PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

FLETCHER, DEL ROY

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, n.º 4/2001, pág. 871

1. Introduction. 2. The policy context. 3. The barriers faced by ex-offenders in the labour market. a) Employer discrimination. b) Poor basic skills and lack of qualifications. c) Lack of work experience and participation in segregated networks. d) Low self-esteem, behavioural and health problems. e) Problems of poverty and debt. f) Insecure housing. g) Ex-offender perspectives. 4. Approaches to re-integrating ex-offenders. a) Linking mainstream probation activities and NVQs. b) Creating jobs in the intermediate labour market. c) Using outdoor activities to re-motivate young offenders. d) The involvement of local communities as volunteers. e) Encouraging employers to recruit ex-offenders. 5. The new public administration and the reintegration of ex-offenders. 6. Concluding remarks.