For a coalition government arriving in the wake of a recession, the challenges are mounting up. With rising joblessness, there have already been objections to the cutting of the Future Jobs Fund, which supported the creation of jobs for the long term unemployed. Against this backdrop, one policy area that is ripe for reconsideration is that of offender employment.

The evidence about offender employment shows that three-quarters of prisoners leave prison without a job to go to - yet having a job reduces the likelihood of reoffending by as much as 50 percent. This systematic failure means more victims and greater cost to society.

With spending cuts being inflicted on public services, it is not surprising that former offenders are among those who are considered least worthy of support. A common feeling is that the state should concentrate on catching criminals and helping the victims of crime. However, the manifold benefits of rehabilitating offenders should not be overlooked. Without sufficient preparation for life on the outside, offenders will often return to the behaviour that led them to prison. By contrast, those who receive support are far more likely to lead a productive, crime-free life in their communities.

If, as a society, we are serious about offering offenders a fresh start and preventing them from re-offending then we need to tackle employment. Support can take the form of job coaching, mentoring, and job brokering as well as help with issues like housing. Offenders need help to build resilience, confidence and team-work skills - all a vital part of gaining and retaining employment. Success also relies on engaging with offenders early and offering long term support.

A great deal of promising work has already been undertaken in this area by a range of providers. However, employment programmes face significant barriers especially in demonstrating their impact and securing sustainable funding. Future investment is essential to ensure long term change and although resources are tight, even a marginal impact on employment outcomes will be valuable.

As part of the Innovation, Justice and Youth programme, we are developing a policy framework surrounding offender employment with the aim of highlighting a range of potential solutions - from building on existing arrangements to developing new initiatives.