The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has urged construction bosses to employ young people and especially ex-offenders, when carrying out major work in the capital.

The Mayor has highlighted the need for more job opportunities for young Londoners, particularly those struggling to turn their lives around. Research shows that ex-offenders who secure employment are 50 per cent less likely to re-offend, but many find it hard to get work with criminal records.

With huge development projects in the run up to 2012 and beyond, construction and building is an attractive career option for many young people. The Mayor is ensuring opportunities are available on the Greater London Authority’s construction projects and wants to see more schemes like the Olympic Delivery Authority's pilot programme, where they are providing work placements for up to 60 ex-offenders on the Olympic Park to help open up permanent employment opportunities in the construction industry.

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Mr Johnson said: "Ex-offenders deserve a second chance to turn their lives around and make an honest living. I'm asking the construction sector to get on board and offer our young people real opportunities on the abundance of exciting construction contracts we have in the capital.

"In these tough economic times it is hard for everyone out of work, but teenagers with criminal records often hit a brick wall. For every person we keep out of the prison system we potentially save tax payers £50,000 a year. I commend the companies already making great progress and encourage all firms to help us cut crime and offer work to ex-offenders."

20 yr old Shingai Musonza served a two year prison sentence before successfully completing the 'Get into Construction' training course organised by the Mayor and youth charity The Prince's Trust. Shingai has just started a job as a banksman for on the Crossrail project for construction firm Costain.

Shingai said: "I had always thought of working in the construction industry but didn’t know where to start. On the course, I learnt the skills that I needed to find work and I became really determined to succeed. I was really happy when I found out I got the job. It’s really suited to my skills and I love being outdoors doing something hands-on. I believe that everyone can change, no matter what their background. I'm so grateful to have been given a second chance."

(CD/KMcA)