Britain’s new left-leaning Labour government is banking on business to tackle the growing problem in the prison sector. And the man they want to see leading this overhaul is the boss of Timpson, a company known for employing ex-offenders.
James Timpson heads the nationwide chain, which cuts keys, repairs shoes and offers dry cleaning and laundry services. He has been appointed Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Parole under Sir Keir Starmer’s new government.
Timpson’s prison policy
It is not uncommon for customers in these shops, which are springing up like mushrooms on British high streets, shopping malls and supermarket car parks, to be served by a former prisoner.
Timpson, CEO since 2002 and an employee of his father John, introduced the company policy of hiring ex-offenders.
This practice reportedly began after Timpson visited a prison the same year he took the top job. Timpson met a young prisoner named Matt and was so impressed that he offered him a job.
Matt has since become one of Timpson’s most successful branch managers, the CEO said.
Timpson now employs over 600 “prison leavers”, about 10 percent 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 in this role, it could prove a boon to the British prison system, not to mention the country’s social fabric and public finances as a whole.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he hired Timpson for the position because he “keeps his promises”. But he will need to prove his expertise quickly as prison governors warn that jails are running out of space.
Timpson has made his commitment to rehabilitation clear and is perhaps one of the most progressive clergymen to ever hold the office.
In conversation with Channel 4 Earlier this year, Timpson said the British justice system was “addicted to punishment”, adding that only a third of current prisoners should “definitely” be in prison.
The UK Recidivism rates have fallen over the last decade, but are still around 25%. Unemployment and financial problems as well as homelessness and mental health problems,
According to Timpson, the retention rate of his colleagues who have been released from prison or have a criminal record is 75 percent. This indicates a low recidivism rate.
Meet the Timpsons
Timpson and his family were reportedly worth £210 million ($269 million) in 2019 Sunday Times Richest People List.
His grandfather and founder of Timpson, William, was pushed out of the company in 1973, after the EDS Group took over the company. James’ father John became managing director of the company in 1975 and led a £42 million management buyout of the company in 1982.
The company, which remains 100% owned by Timpson and his family,
The family paid for the largest dividend for years, valued at £16.6 million ($21.3 million) in March after a big jump in sales.
His parents shared Timpson’s sense of duty to the community. John and his wife Alex adopted two of their five children and cared for 90 others over 31 years.
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.