The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has been urged to spearhead a major initiative to help former prisoners find work, as a new report reveals stark employment challenges for this group in the capital.
A Strategic Call to Action for City Hall
The London Assembly's Economy, Culture and Skills Committee has published a hard-hitting investigation, calling for a "strategic, joined-up approach" from the Mayor's office. The cross-party committee wants City Hall to take the lead in coordinating efforts to upskill and support people leaving prison, who currently face one of the toughest job markets in the country.
The report, released on 13 January 2026, highlights a critical statistic: fewer than one in three Londoners are in employment six months after their release from prison. This represents one of the lowest rates across England and Wales. The committee identifies a triple threat of insufficient in-prison support, inadequate post-release help, and persistent stigma from employers as the core reasons for this failure.
Untapped Talent and the Stigma Barrier
During the investigation, Assembly Members heard compelling evidence that prison leavers constitute an "untapped talent pool" for London's businesses. Hina Bokhari, the Liberal Democrat Assembly Member who chairs the committee, emphasised the economic and social benefits of tapping into this workforce.
"We heard from employers how prison leavers are essentially an untapped market of workers who can play a pivotal role in boosting the economy, whilst reducing reoffending rates," said Bokhari. She pointed out that the associated stigma heavily influences hiring managers, who often opt for other candidates despite the dedication and commitment ex-offenders frequently show.
The issue is set against a worsening backdrop for London's overall labour market. In December, the capital's unemployment rate was estimated at 6.8 per cent, a significant rise of 0.8 per cent from the previous year and far above the UK average of 5.1 per cent. This disparity is mirrored among the prison leaver population, with only 17.1 per cent in work within six weeks of release in London, compared to a national average of 19.3 per cent.
Key Recommendations for Change
The committee's report lays out a series of concrete proposals designed to turn the situation around. Central to these is a call for the Mayor to actively "break the stigma" surrounding former prisoners in the eyes of employers.
The recommendations also include:
- Securing additional funding to improve the quality and availability of education and vocational training within London's prisons.
- Providing more holistic support for individuals in the crucial period immediately after their release.
- Encouraging prisons across the capital to make greater use of Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL), allowing inmates to work in the community for short periods to gain vital experience and prepare for life after detention.
Jon Collins, Chief Executive of the Prisoners' Education Trust (PET), welcomed the report's focus but warned of systemic challenges. He highlighted that national cuts to prison education have led to fewer courses and teachers, a situation from which London is not immune. "While greater collaboration between employers, prisons and the charity sector would be a positive step, more joined-up working is no substitute for lost provision," Collins stated.
The report cites positive examples like The Dusty Knuckle bakery in Dalston, which prioritises giving prison leavers a fair chance. However, such initiatives remain rare. The Mayor of London's office has been contacted for comment on the committee's findings and its call for decisive leadership.
