From Prison to Purpose: Sentencing Reform and the Future of Employment

The new Sentencing Bill marks a shift in how we approach crime, punishment, and rehabilitation. By introducing tougher community sentences and ending automatic release for rule-breaking prisoners, the government aims to reduce reoffending and restore public confidence. With 62% of short-term prisoners reoffending within a year, the move toward earned progression and intensive supervision courts is a welcome change.

But what does this mean for employment?

Community-based sentences, such as unpaid work, income reduction orders, and movement restrictions, offer a chance to maintain ties to work, family, and education. They allow individuals to remain in their communities, potentially continuing employment or training. This continuity is vital. It prevents the rupture that often comes with incarceration and gives people a chance to rebuild without starting from scratch.

Yet these sentences also come with visibility. Wearing a high-vis vest for unpaid work or being subject to curfews and restrictions can reinforce stigma. Employers may hesitate. Colleagues may judge. The individual may feel exposed.

If we want punishment to truly cut crime, we must pair it with opportunity. That means:

• Embedding employment support into community sentencing models

• Creating flexible roles that accommodate supervision requirements

• Normalising fair-chance hiring through public campaigns and employer incentives

We must also challenge the narrative that punishment and progress are mutually exclusive. Rehabilitation isn’t about leniency, it’s about effectiveness and employment is one of the most effective tools we have.

Let’s design sentencing models that don’t just punish, but prepare. Let’s make employment part of the sentence, not an afterthought.