The number of prison leavers in employment within six months has more than doubled from 14% to 30% since April 2021 following a major Government drive to reduce reoffending and plug labour shortages.
Alex officially opened a new workshop run by international logistics firm DHL at HMP High Down to help boost education and training.
It will function as a DHL warehouse for sorting and picking goods to be shipped to other prisons across the country giving prisoners experience of managing the movement of stock within the warehouse and the processing of goods.
Alex said:
"Our drive to improve prison education and business links is helping cut crime, with more prisoners going straight into work on release than ever before.
"Helping reformed offenders kickstart a new, law-abiding career is a win-win - it makes our streets safer while providing businesses with the reliable staff they need to help drive the British economy."
You can watch a video of Alex's visit to HMP High Down by clicking HERE.