CRIMINALS should be hired to drive lorries and fix the delivery crisis because they work harder than most, Dominic Raab has urged firms.
The Justice Secretary heaped praise on a convicted drugs smuggler putting his skills to good use by getting behind the wheel.
He said ex-felons make great truckers because they hardly ever take sick days and are grateful they’re being given a second chance.
Britain’s driver shortage is wreaking havoc on supplies and sparked warnings of higher food prices and Christmas chaos.
Mr Raab urged companies to consider recruiting from prison rather than relying on the “old addiction” of cheap foreign labour.
Unveiling his brainwave Mr Raab told LBC: “These offenders aren’t just a high-risk category, actually they take their sick leave, they’re highly motivated, easy not just to employ but to promote.”
They work hard. Why? Because when you talk to the offenders this is their second chance.”
One of the prisoners he met was drug smuggler Dean who is serving a 20-year sentence at HMP Ford and training while inside so he can take up a job when free.
Mr Raab said: “He’s paying taxes again, and that makes him feel good. He talked to me about paying for clothes for his children.
“And if we give ex-offenders skin in the game, if we give them hope and something to lose, they’re much much more likely to go straight and that’s good for society, it’s good for the public because it cuts crime.
“So this is frankly all about, for me, what works and public protection.”
