Prisoners will be let out on temporary release to fill jobs left vacant after Brexit, the Justice Secretary has said.

David Gauke said Brexit presents an “opportunity” for offenders who want to gain experience in the workforce before they are released.

The minister was speaking at HMP Isis at the launch of a new Government strategy on the education and employment of prisoners.

Mr Gauke said educating prisoners and offering them jobs cuts the chance of reoffending, which costs taxpayers £15 billion per year.

He is keen to encourage governors to grant more prisoners release on temporary licence to be able to join the workforce before their sentence ends, in order to help their rehabilitation.

He said such early release helps offenders “build relationships and their CV before they have been released” adding it is a “powerful incentive for good behaviour in prison.”

Prisoners could fill a shortfall of migrant workers from Europe after Brexit, Mr Gauke said.

“Leaving the European Union is likely to have an impact on the workforce in sectors such as catering, construction and agriculture. Expanding the use of early release for work will mean employers will be able to fill the short term skills gap,” Mr Gauke said.