Employment of Ex-offenders within Six Months of Release from Prison

Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs for the past five years, how many ex-offenders have been able to secure a job within six months of their release.

Mr Teo Chee Hean: The Singapore Prison Service does not track the employment status of ex-offenders after release.

However, the Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises (SCORE) provides training and employment assistance services for offenders while they are in prison. From 2009 to 2013, SCORE provided employment assistance to about 1,600 inmates each year. Of those assisted, 96% of them successfully secured jobs before their release from prison.

SCORE also provides employment assistance for ex-offenders who approach SCORE after their release from prison. About 360 ex-offenders a year were assisted over the last five years. About 65% of them attended the scheduled job interviews and accepted the job offers. A successful job match depends on many factors, including the needs of employers and the commitment of ex-offenders.