'Working in prison helps offenders on their release'

More work facilities are needed in Scotland's jails to stop offenders turning back to a life of crime when they are released, according to the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

The party said there were 426 daily places in workshops at six Scottish prisons last month covering areas including timber, textiles and engineering.

There were 50 daily work places in timber at Barlinnie in Glasgow, 22 in Greenock, 12 in textiles and 80 in timber at Perth and 30 in textiles and 24 in timber at Peterhead.

The details were released in a parliamentary answer by justice secretary Kenny MacAskill in response to questions from Robert Brown.

Mr Brown, MSP for Glasgow and Liberal Democrat justice spokesman, said: "Long-term prisoners are locked up in jail for the protection of the public. However, they will be released eventually and it is in the public interest that they don't get into trouble again.

"All the evidence is that work, education and skills are key to getting them back on the straight and narrow. So the availability of work in prison, and the habit of regular activity is vital; 426 work places for nearly 3,500 prisoners is just not good enough.

"Only 12 per cent of Scotland's prisoners each day are getting the chance to work and learn new skills while they're inside."

He continued: "Scottish Prison Service Industries should be rolled out in more prisons. It can make valuable products and even turns a profit, which can be re-invested in education and work programmes for prisoners.

"Prison workshops and education services are the best way to stop criminals re-offending when they are released."

A Scottish Government spokesman said work for prisoners also included cleaning and catering to help run a jail.

The spokesman said: "We agree that getting offenders into activities such as work-based placements increases the likelihood of them successfully reintegrating into the community.

"But the fact is that all convicted prisoners are required to work - and there is a wider range of opportunities than ever before.

"Some prisons have specialist industrial workshops producing materials for outside clients, others specialise in education and training programmes providing skills qualifications which can be classed as work for this purpose and improve employability."

The spokesman added: "Prison work can also include other activities such as cleaning and catering, for example, which assist in running the prison and can provide qualifications and experience to be used outside."