Criminology Research Council grant ; (26/02-03)
This study investigated attitudes of employers, employment services workers, corrective services workers, and prisoners and offenders toward the employability of ex-prisoners and ex-offenders. A survey of 1,181 participants was conducted in Queensland and Victoria. Participants rated the probability of people from several disadvantaged groups obtaining and maintaining employment. Forensic histories were rated fourth highest of five groups in relation to both obtaining and maintaining employment. Ex-prisoners with training were rated more likely to be employed than people with single or multiple convictions. Employer ratings were lowest of the four groups, and employment services worker ratings were highest. Next, participants rated the likelihood that ex-prisoners, ex-offenders, and members of the general workforce exhibit certain employment-related skills and characteristics. Members of the general workforce were rated highest, followed by ex-offenders and ex-prisoners respectively. Employment services worker ratings of ex-prisoners and ex-offenders were lowest of the four groups; prisoners and offenders, followed by employers were highest. Previous experience with employment of ex-prisoners or ex-offenders had a positive effect on ratings in both parts of the study.