Education and employment

In contrast to literature on female prisoners, many of the women interviewed in this research had remained in education until they were 16 and had qualifications, and a large number were working prior to their arrest. Some of the contributing factors towards pre-existing financial concerns female prisoners are the low levels of education and employment in this group. Given the low level of qualifications and employment experience of female prisoners, it is unsurprising that many women in prison report needing help with gaining qualifications and finding employment. Evidence from a number of different sources is that both of these are vital for financial and emotional independence in the community. It is therefore felt that if this group must be incarcerated, there is a requirement to provide them with the tools that they need on the outside, even if they are only in custody for a short period of time.