Prisoners could be released on licence to fill job vacancies in an opportunity for inmates and employers

Prisoners could fill workforce shortages after Brexit even if some commit further crimes, the justice secretary said yesterday as he announced plans to improve offenders’ job prospects.

Prisoners released on temporary licences could work in sectors such as catering, construction and agriculture, which are most threatened by the UK leaving the EU, David Gauke said, highlighting the opportunities for prisoners to find work in sectors that now employ large numbers of European workers.

He outlined plans to expand release on temporary licence for work placements and said that he would not be deterred if prisoners took the opportunity to commit more crimes.

Migrant workers had been relied on to fill jobs, Mr Gauke said, but the public wanted to see that “as many UK citizens