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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think it's nuts that prisoners will help solve driver shortage?!

110 replies

Windows01 · 23/10/2021 22:04

Government now looking to solve driver shortage by using prisoners. Ok. Is it 1st April?! Please tell me I'm not in the minority for thinking this is absolutely nuts?

www.itv.com/news/2021-09-30/raab-ex-prisoners-and-low-level-offenders-could-drive-lorries-to-help-shortages

OP posts:
Lolalovesroses · 23/10/2021 22:10

I disagree. Having only read the article you've linked to I can't see that training low level offenders in occupations were there is a shortage is an issue. Many would have committed crimes, due to lack of finances, lack of employability and lack of qualifications. This move may give them hope and make them ex offenders.As a society, we can't just write people off, can we? What are your reservations OP?

SeasonalNamechange · 23/10/2021 22:11

why is it nuts?

did you actually read the link you gave before you went into your rage?

its EX prisoners. those doing community service. low level

SandandFog · 23/10/2021 22:11

Sounds like a good idea to me

YourFinestPantaloons · 23/10/2021 22:12

Sounds like a good plan to me.

Do you realise how hard it is for non-violent Ex convicts to secure employment? If not I suggest you do research.

This is a great idea IMO.

SultansOfMing · 23/10/2021 22:12

Sounds like a great idea tbh. What's your problem with it?

notsohippychick · 23/10/2021 22:13

I think it quite a good idea. Good experience for them, solves a problem for the government. Everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves.

What do you think will happen?

mum2jakie · 23/10/2021 22:13

One of the best ideas I've heard for a while. Great way to increase opportunities for disenfranchised groups

LetHimHaveIt · 23/10/2021 22:14

@Lolalovesroses - totally agree. Recidivism rates are influenced hugely when offenders are able to find gainful employment upon release.

I don't trust this government to run a soft play centre, but I suspect even they will have had a think about the types of offender patently unsuitable for the role . . .

Wizzbangfizz · 23/10/2021 22:14

Agree with one of best ideas from this batshit govt so far

AlexaShutUp · 23/10/2021 22:15

Well, I don't rate our government at all, but this is actually one of their better ideas. People are far less likely to reoffend if they have skills and if they're employable. Sounds like a win win situation to me. What's your concern?

LadyTiredWinterBottom2 · 23/10/2021 22:17

What is your issue with it OP? Is it...slave labour?

They will be learning a much in demand skill. They need skills in order to support themselves and minimise re-offending.

Carolinechanning · 23/10/2021 22:17

Don't worry, they won't be starting with the serial killers.

Cattitudes · 23/10/2021 22:18

It gives them a secure future employment prospects and makes them productive. They have time to retrain too. Obviously it partly depends on their conviction and what they are driving. Food, fuel, clothes etc. I don't care who has delivered it. Maybe school bus drivers, gold bullion someone needs to check the dbs.

XenoBitch · 23/10/2021 22:21

The biggest precursor to ex prisoners being sent back to prison, is a lack of opportunities. If they can get out after serving their time, and get meaningful employment, they are more likely to stay out of trouble.

StopPissingAbout · 23/10/2021 22:23

It's a good opportunity for someone to turn their life around and be part of a community again. What do you expect prisons to do? Lock all prisoners up forever??
I think it's a positive idea and I hope it goes ahead. Vulnerable people (and prisons are full of vulnerable people, not the wealthy and educated) need help and support-and we need drivers

KrisAkabusi · 23/10/2021 22:24

@Cattitudes

It gives them a secure future employment prospects and makes them productive. They have time to retrain too. Obviously it partly depends on their conviction and what they are driving. Food, fuel, clothes etc. I don't care who has delivered it. Maybe school bus drivers, gold bullion someone needs to check the dbs.
Yeah, all of this. Seems like a good idea to me too. So many people are biased against former prisoners (and it sounds like the OP is one of them), it's a good opportunity for them to try to make a fresh start.
DdraigGoch · 23/10/2021 22:24

As long as they weren't incarcerated for Dangerous Driving or similar, I see no issue.

RedCarsGoFaster · 23/10/2021 22:25

Prisoners in open prisons frequently work in businesses outside the establishment as part of their rehabilitation. Nothing new here.

Anotherbrokenairer · 23/10/2021 22:28

Ah mate...you're in the minority. People shouldn't spend their whole lives being punished for low level crime mistakes.

nc87653 · 23/10/2021 22:30

I also think this is a good idea. So many benefits for the prisoners as currently so few are able to find work upon release (and the prison cycle continues).

FourEyesGood · 23/10/2021 22:31

YABU. Your thread title says ‘prisoners’. The headline on your article link says ‘ex-prisoners. Read the stuff you’re linking to!

AnotherMansCause · 23/10/2021 22:32

Specifically what is your problem with this?

Banani · 23/10/2021 22:32

Helping low level offenders find work in a field where workers are needed makes a lot of sense for the individuals, the industry and likely reoffending rates. Pretty good idea as far as I can see.

clockover · 23/10/2021 22:34

Please tell me I'm not in the minority for thinking this is absolutely nuts?

It would help if you could explain your reasoning

Arbitan · 23/10/2021 22:36

Yeah, I mean, heaven forbid that we give ex-offenders the opportunity to learn a new skill and become productive members of society, while benefiting the country at the same time. What madness Hmm