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Young offenders entering private-sector training and employment schemes are at risk of exploitation, according to a report due to be published later this month, writes Maria Ahmed.

The report by the Social Market Foundation raised concerns that cheap labour was “disguised as training” in some schemes, and warned that this could leave young offenders earning as little as £14 a week.

It found schemes were “open to claims of exploitation,” and called for “absolute transparency” from employers and better monitoring.

Young offenders also faced discrimination from employers as they were perceived as a risk, the report said.

Benefits restrictions on the number of hours spent in work and training that young offenders could undertake were also cited as a major obstacle for employers.

While the report found that the number of schemes for young offenders was limited, one successful scheme reported a seven per cent rate in re-offending, compared to a national average of around 70 per cent.

Private sector provision of employment services for young adults at risk: http://www.smf.co.uk