Sir Richard Branson wants to help businesses employ ex-offenders

Michael Clarke24 July 2016

British billionaire Sir Richard Branson wants to encourage businesses to follow Virgin Trains' lead and employ more ex-offenders, and this week announced the launch of a toolkit to help them do just that.

The Virgin Group Founder has been championing the hiring of people with convictions for the past few years.

The British entrepreneur said: “Business must become a stronger advocate for rehabilitation."

Since 2013, Virgin Trains on the west coast has hired 30 ex-offenders, 25 of which still work for the company in roles across the business.

In a video highlighting the success of the company's scheme, Sir Richard said: “It makes perfect sense, as it increases the talent pool, reduces reoffending, nurtures entrepreneurial spirit, and contributes to safer communities.”

Richard Branson wants to help businesses employ ex-offenders  
Virgin

The rail company has produced a guide to help other employers offer work to ex-offenders,by suggesting charities and prisons to work with.

Tammy Moreton, 23, from Birmingham is now working for Virgin Trains as a Revenue Protection Inspector after spending two years in and out of prison.

Tammy said: “I thought I would spend my life in and out of prison. But bit by bit I decided to take matters into my own hands and turn my life around.

"I am determined to put my past behind me and embrace this new future. ”

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