Project helps ex-offenders into work

Published on 20/06/2012 12:01

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has launched a new industrial cleaning and waste disposal social enterprise helping ex-offenders into work.

All Cleaned Up has been set up at premises in Leith’s Sandport Place by Apex Scotland, a charity that supports ex-offenders and young people to help them overcome the barriers they can face when trying to get a job.

Ex-offenders leaving prison will be offered work as technicians and the company will also offer placement opportunities for individuals involved in the Work Programme or those on a Community Payback Order.

Mr MacAskill said: “All Cleaned Up is a great initiative and I am delighted to see it up and running. Here in Edinburgh it is offering real opportunities for ex-offenders to gain accredited qualifications and valuable work experience, while making a positive contribution to the environment.”

Brian Robertson-Fern, All Cleaned Up’s operations manager, said: “I’m delighted that we’re now up and running and my technicians can put all their training into practice.

“We are all keen to make this business a success and, if commitment and enthusiasm are anything to go by, then I think we stand a good chance.”