I think prisoners helping with labour shortages can work – but only if they are treated fairly

My view is partly shaped by the experience of my late grandma Violet, who helped give prisoners a future, writes Katy Brand

Work and the self-worth it brings can foster rehabilitation (PA)

I read with interest this week that the idea of using prisoners to make up the numbers where Brexit and Covid-19 have led to labour shortages was seriously being considered.

As increasingly desperate farmers around the UK sound increasingly loud alarms about their produce being left to rot in the fields because there is no one to pick, pack or process it, it is clear that some action needs to be taken at some point by this government of ostriches with their heads ever in the sand (of some luxury resort or other).

It’s probably a good idea, all things considered, if it is administered properly. There’s no shortage of expertise – Frances Crook, the chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, wrote an excellent piece recently about her work in precisely this area. But unfortunately those in charge seem incapable of recognising real expertise when it hits them in the face (and it’s surely only a matter of time before this literally happens given the anger and frustration that is building).