The government is launching a new scheme to help former prisoners find work, in an attempt to cut re-offending rates.

All those who claim JobSeekers Allowance after being in prison are to be enrolled immediately in the government's Work Programme, which gives extra help to people looking for jobs.

Employment Minister Chris Grayling told the Today programme that it was "in everyone's interest" to support ex-offenders.

Leaving offenders to their own devices for months after leaving prison is "a recipe for re-offending", he said.

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