Britain’s left-wing Labour government is looking to business to solve growing problems in the prison sector, and the man it is looking to lead the recovery is the boss of Timpson, a company known for employing ex-prisoners.
James Timpson, who runs a national chain of lock-making, shoe repair, dry cleaning and laundry services, has been appointed Secretary of State for Prisons, Parole and Probation in Sir Keir Starmer’s new government.
Timpson’s prison policy
It is not uncommon for former prisoners to serve customers at these establishments, which have popped up in Britain’s high streets, shopping centres and supermarket car parks.
Mr Timpson, who has been CEO since 2002 and works alongside his father, John, introduced the company’s policy of employing former prisoners.
The practice reportedly began after Timpson visited the prison the same year he became chief. Young inmates His name was Matt, and I was so impressed that I offered him a job.
Matt has since become one of Timpson’s most successful branch managers, the CEO said.
Timpson currently employs more than 600 “ex-prisoners”, about 10% of the company’s workforce. The CEO was also chairman of the Prison Reform Trust before being appointed Prison Minister.
If Timpson can sprinkle a little magic dust on this role, it will be a boon for the British prison system, not to mention the fabric of British society and the national finances more generally.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he hired Timpson for the role because he is a “hands-on man”, but he will need to quickly prove his know-how at a time when prison governors warn they are running out of space.
Timpson has been a vocal advocate of rehabilitation efforts and may be one of the most progressive pastors to hold the position.
Speaking to Channel 4 Earlier this year, Mr Timpson said the UK justice system was “addicted to punishment”, adding that only a third of current prisoners should “certainly” be in prison.
British Recidivism rate Although it has decreased over the past decade, it is still around 25%.
Timpson said there is a 75 percent retention rate for colleagues recruited from prisons or with criminal histories, indicating low recidivism rates.
Meet the Timpsons
Timpson and his family were worth a reported £210 million ($269 million) in 2019. The Sunday Times Rich List.
His grandfather, William, founder of Timpson I was kicked out of the company After the company was acquired by the EDS Group in 1973, James’ father John became managing director of the company in 1975 and led a £42 million management buyout in 1982.
The company remains 100% owned by Timpson and his family.
The family paid for themselves Biggest payout Sales rose significantly in March, to 16.6 million pounds ($21.3 million).
His parents shared the same sense of civic duty: John and his wife, Alex, adopted two of their five children and fostered 90 children over a 31-year period.
Alex Timpson received his MBA in 2006 for services to children and families, and John was knighted for his service in 2017 after the death of his wife.
