Employers’ perspectives on hiring ex-prisoners : a qualitative study

Abstract

This project focused on employers‟ perspectives with regards to hiring ex-prisoners. The research explored the attitudes of employers towards ex-prisoners and employers‟ perceptions about the benefits and challenges of employing ex-prisoners. Data was gathered through indepth, semi-structured interviews with six participants, each one from a different sector of the following: technology, construction, financial services, leisure and tourism, manufacturing, and retail. Data was analysed through the Constant Comparative Method and six main categories developed: distancing from employing ex-prisoners, recognition of difficulties faced by exprisoners, the need of constantly monitoring ex-prisoners, stigma, and issues with Maltese society. The study concludes with recommendations for policy and recommendations for future research.