http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/...st/7606031.stm

Has he asked what employers and the workers views on this are?

Totally unworkable.

Prisoners already do work inside prisons and used to sent to do work outside the prison as well years ago. I think it is a good idea as it helps to give prisoners something to do. Anyone who has been to prison will tell you that the worst thing about it is being stuck in a cell for hours on end with nothing to do. The prison reform trust supports training and occupational activities for prisoners too.

I've laboured on some pretty tough building sites in London and I found most of the other labourers to be a load of nut jobs anyway. It can be extremely hard work, very long hours and some times quite dangerous too. I think it would certainly keep them busy.

Well of course it wouldn't be right for all prisoners but there are enough that are inside for minor offences and as all our prisons are so over crowded I'm sure it would ease the daytime pressure a bit.

As for training, none is needed. I never had any.

Surely it shouldn't be about alleviating over-crowding in prisons (unless they sleep at night on said building site) or the prisoners' welfare.
They are inside to be punished for crimes committed, yes of course 'rehabilitation' is important but not at the expense of all the poor *innocent* buggers on the outside who can't get a job!!
Unemployment is high enough.

If someone seriously thinks there are employment opportunities - available jobs - on building sites, give the jobs AND the training to the people in the dole queue!

I think prisons here should take a leaf out of Joe Arpaio's book (without the wasteful lawsuits of course).

Yeah of course i'm talking about labouring. I think I would rather be in prison than do some of the labouring jobs I have been on. Although the work is brainless its also extremely tough and most unemployed people can't do it. Most of the jobs I was on were filled with illegal immigrants.

Well actually most employed people wouldn't be able to do it either. Reason is because its extremely tough work. This isn't official but I would take an experienced guess and say labouring can be one of the toughest and most dangerous jobs in this country. Main reason I don't do it any more.