Logistics UK discusses routes back in to work for prison leavers with Paul Foster MP

Logistics industry representatives joined South Ribble MP Paul Foster at HMP Wymott yesterday (17 September 2026) to explore how a pioneering prison employment scheme could help tackle the sector’s ongoing skills shortages while creating new opportunities for prison leavers.

New Futures Network (NFN), the specialist employment team within HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), connects employers with serving prisoners and prison leavers to help them secure meaningful employment on release. Programmes already operate across a range of sectors, including hospitality, construction and logistics.

“New Futures Network is already helping some major logistics businesses access a talented and often overlooked recruitment pool,” explains Bethany Windsor, Head of Skills Policy at Logistics UK.

Through the New Futures Network, logistics businesses that deliver services underpinning the whole economy, can connect with people who are motivated to build a new future and bring valuable skills and experience to the workplace.

“What we’ve seen at HMP Wymott today demonstrates the real potential of this approach. Employers already working with NFN report strong retention levels, helping businesses reduce recruitment pressures and build a more stable workforce, while supporting employment and strengthening communities.”

Paul Foster MP said:

“Employment is one of the most effective ways to help reduce reoffending. People who leave prison and move into work are significantly less likely to return to crime, yet many face substantial barriers when trying to secure a job.

New Futures Network helps employers access motivated candidates while supporting individuals to rebuild their lives. It creates benefits for employers, communities and prison leavers alike, while providing a no-fee recruitment service that helps businesses fill vacancies and reduce hiring costs.”

During the visit, Ms Windsor and Mr Foster met prisoners preparing for release who were receiving support from the Prison Employment Lead to find employment for release.

“The work being delivered within prisons through Prison Employment Leads and New Futures Network is genuinely impressive,” Ms Windsor added. “It enables businesses of all sizes to access talented recruits while opening the door to long-term careers, and we are proud to be supporting the logistics sector, that employs 8% of the UK workforce, to engage with it. Our sector offers a wide range of rewarding opportunities, and we look forward to working more closely with HMPPS and NFN to help more employers benefit from the scheme in the future.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk

Note: Photo shows Paul Foster MP (fourth from the right), Bethany Windsor (second left) and colleagues at the visit to HMP Wymott.