Britain’s new left-wing Labour government is counting on business to tackle a growing problem in the prison sector. And the man it wants to lead the recovery is the boss of Timpson, a company known for hiring ex-convicts.
James Timpson, who runs the national chain that cuts keys, repairs shoes and offers dry cleaning and laundry services, has been appointed Minister of State for Prisons, Parole and Probation in Sir Keir Starmer’s new government.
Timpson’s Prison Policy
It is not uncommon for customers at these shops, which are popping up on high streets, shopping centres and supermarket car parks across the UK, to be served by an ex-convict.
Timpson, CEO since 2002 and working alongside his father, John, introduced the company’s policy of hiring ex-offenders.
The practice is said to have started after Timpson visited a prison the same year he took office. Timpson met a young prisoner His name was Matt and he was so impressed he offered him a job.
Matt has since become one of Timpson’s most successful branch managers, the CEO said.
Timpson now employs more than 600 ‘prison leavers’, around 10% of the company’s workforce. The CEO was also chairman of the Prison Reform Trust until his appointment as prisons minister.
If Timpson can sprinkle some of his magic dust on this role, it could be a boon to Britain’s prison system, not to mention the country’s social fabric and public finances.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he hired Timpson for the job because he “does what he says”. But he will need to demonstrate that expertise quickly, as prison governors warn that jails are running out of space.
Having spoken out loudly about his approach to rehabilitation, Timpson is perhaps one of the most progressive ministers ever to hold the office.
Speaking to Channel 4 Earlier this year, Timpson said the UK justice system was “addicted to punishment”, adding that only a third of current prisoners should “definitely” be in prison.
The United Kingdom recidivism rate have declined over the past decade, but still stand at around 25%. Unemployment and financial problems, as well as homelessness and mental health issues,
Timpson says the retention rate of his colleagues recruited from prison or with criminal records is 75%, suggesting a low level of reoffending.
Meet the Timpsons
Timpson and his family were estimated to be worth £210 million ($269 million) in 2019. Sunday Times Rich List.
His grandfather and founder of Timpson, William, was ousted from the company in 1973 after the company was acquired by the EDS Group. James’ father John became managing director of the company in 1975 and subsequently led a £42 million management buyout of the business in 1982.
The company, which remains wholly owned by Timpson and his family,
The family paid for the highest dividend in March, worth £16.6 million ($21.3 million), after a surge in turnover.
His parents shared Timpson’s sense of public duty. John and his wife, Alex, adopted two of their five children and, over a period of more than 31 years, fostered 90 more children.
Alex Timpson was awarded an MBA in 2006 for his services to children and families. John was knighted for his services in 2017, following the death of his wife.
