Finding employment is often the most significant hurdle for individuals reentering society after serving a prison sentence. Without stable income, other aspects of successful reintegration—like housing, healthcare, and family support—become increasingly difficult to maintain. At The Growth App, we’re committed to addressing these challenges head-on.

The Employment Gap

Each year, approximately 75,000 people are released from UK prisons, and within one year, nearly 30% will reoffend. This cycle of reoffending is largely driven by one key factor: the inability to secure stable employment.

Research consistently shows that ex-offenders who find steady work are significantly less likely to reoffend. Yet, the barriers to employment for those with criminal records are numerous and deeply entrenched:

Legal Barriers

Many industries have policies against hiring individuals with criminal records, regardless of the offence or how long ago it occurred. Professional registrations required for careers in healthcare, education, and many trades often exclude those with serious convictions, severely limiting career options.

Employer Bias

Even when no legal prohibitions exist, employer reluctance to hire those with criminal backgrounds remains pervasive. A criminal record can reduce callback rates for job applications by over 50%, with the impact being most severe for Black, Asian and minority ethnic applicants.

Skills and Education Gaps

Time spent in prison often means missing out on educational and skill-building opportunities that today’s job market demands. Many ex-offenders lack access to technology training, professional certifications, or higher education that could make them competitive candidates.

How The Growth App Makes a Difference

Our platform addresses these challenges through several targeted approaches:

Employer Partnerships

We’ve built relationships with employers committed to Ban the Box and fair chance hiring practices. These companies recognise that giving opportunities to ex-offenders isn’t just socially responsible—it’s good business. Our network includes businesses across various industries, from manufacturing and hospitality to technology and healthcare.

Skills Development Resources

The Growth App connects users with free and low-cost training programmes designed specifically for ex-offenders. These include digital literacy courses, trade qualification programmes, and educational opportunities that accommodate the unique challenges faced by those rebuilding their lives.

Legal Support Network

Understanding your rights during the hiring process is crucial. Our app provides access to legal resources that help users navigate DBS checks, explain past convictions effectively, and understand which records may be eligible for filtering under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

Resume Building Tools

Our specialized resume tools help users highlight transferable skills gained before or during incarceration, frame work history appropriately, and prepare for difficult interview questions about criminal history.

Success in Numbers

Since launching The Growth App:

• 73% of active users have secured interviews within 60 days
• 58% have found stable employment within 6 months
• 91% of employed users maintain their positions for at least one year
• Users report a 67% decrease in financial stress after using our employment resources

Looking Forward

Employment is more than just a wage packet—it provides structure, purpose, and the financial foundation necessary for successful reintegration. By removing barriers to employment, we can break the cycle of reoffending and help ex-offenders build the stable, productive lives they deserve.

If you’re an employer interested in joining our network of second chance employers, or if you’re an ex-offender looking for employment resources, download The Growth App today. Together, we can create pathways to success that benefit individuals, families, and our entire community.

The Growth App is committed to supporting successful reintegration through practical resources, community connections, and advocacy. Our employment services are just one aspect of our comprehensive approach to helping ex-offenders thrive.