Cook calls on food industry to employ more prison leavers

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COOK

Cook’s Rosie Brown said the prison leavers talent pool was ‘a massive opportunity for the grocery industry’

Frozen food retailer Cook has called on the food industry to do more to support ex-offenders.

Joint CEO Rosie Brown said that, with vacancies currently high in the sector, more businesses should be looking to utilise the skills of former prisoners.

The company started its Raw talent scheme in 2014, which provides training and jobs to people facing barriers to employment such as previous convictions, homelessness, mental health challenges and refugee status.

Since its inception, around 140 people have been employed in Cook shops, kitchens and offices through the scheme, including 75 with previous convictions.

“If companies are looking to get really great people, there’s a load of untapped talent in prisons,” said Brown.

“We’re at a time where everyone has got recruitment shortages. So, I think that there’s definitely an opportunity for businesses to employ more prison leavers.

“By doing it, you’re not only doing a great thing for society broadly, you’re doing a great thing for your business too. It’s a win-win.”

Cook said that with a well-structured programme, companies could expect strong retention rates. The Raw scheme has retained between 70% and 80% of its employees.

Cook was recently presented with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, acknowledging the positive impact the scheme has had on social mobility.

“We have worked with hundreds of people over the years and learned that, given the right support, encouragement and environment, they can discover gifts they didn’t know they had,” Brown said.

“They grow in confidence and thrive, both personally and professionally. And in return, Cook gets brilliant and committed colleagues with so much to offer.

“The more employers that can wake up to this talent pool, the better. It’s a massive opportunity for the grocery industry.”