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Inmates are let out to empty bins Inmates are let out to empty bins
(about 2 hours later)
A convicted killer is among a group of prisoners being given day release from prison to empty bins in Manchester.A convicted killer is among a group of prisoners being given day release from prison to empty bins in Manchester.
The inmates are bussed into the city from Kirkham open prison, Lancashire, to work as refuse collectors - then left to make their own way home.The inmates are bussed into the city from Kirkham open prison, Lancashire, to work as refuse collectors - then left to make their own way home.
Some bin workers believe they have been left without work because of the scheme by Enterprise Manchester, the firm which empties the city's bins.Some bin workers believe they have been left without work because of the scheme by Enterprise Manchester, the firm which empties the city's bins.
But the company said the posts had not replaced any permanent or agency jobs.But the company said the posts had not replaced any permanent or agency jobs.
The inmates who take part in the scheme from the prison, near Preston, are nearing the end of their sentences.The inmates who take part in the scheme from the prison, near Preston, are nearing the end of their sentences.
Among those who have taken part in the programme is 29-year-old Lee Malaney, from Oldham, who was jailed for kidnap and manslaughter in 2005.Among those who have taken part in the programme is 29-year-old Lee Malaney, from Oldham, who was jailed for kidnap and manslaughter in 2005.
The criteria and selection processes for inclusion on the employment programme are rigorous, thorough and stringent David Bond, Enterprise ManchesterThe criteria and selection processes for inclusion on the employment programme are rigorous, thorough and stringent David Bond, Enterprise Manchester
He was among a gang of people who tied a man up, stabbed him in the arm and dangled him above a river.He was among a gang of people who tied a man up, stabbed him in the arm and dangled him above a river.
Victim Chris Mattison, 42, slipped into the River Tame after the knot loosened around his legs and he drowned.Victim Chris Mattison, 42, slipped into the River Tame after the knot loosened around his legs and he drowned.
Enterprise Manchester took on the first two inmates in July and said it was proud of the scheme, which it said helped make the city "safer".Enterprise Manchester took on the first two inmates in July and said it was proud of the scheme, which it said helped make the city "safer".
Spokesman David Bond said: "By employing offenders who are imminently due for release, Enterprise Manchester is actively helping to reduce crime re-offending rates in the Manchester area.Spokesman David Bond said: "By employing offenders who are imminently due for release, Enterprise Manchester is actively helping to reduce crime re-offending rates in the Manchester area.
Malaney was jailed for manslaughter in October 2005
"Kirkham Prison has stated that engaging offenders in employment immediately before their release reduces re-offending by 33 to 50%."Kirkham Prison has stated that engaging offenders in employment immediately before their release reduces re-offending by 33 to 50%.
"The criteria and selection processes for inclusion on the employment programme are rigorous, thorough and stringent.""The criteria and selection processes for inclusion on the employment programme are rigorous, thorough and stringent."
Eight men are currently working on bin collections under the scheme.Eight men are currently working on bin collections under the scheme.
The spokesman added: "These new posts have not replaced any permanent or agency jobs in Manchester. One former agency bin worker, Aaron Wade, who recently failed to get a permanent post with Enterprise Manchester, said he was angered by the scheme.
He said: "I think it's disgraceful. Basically if I go and rob a bank tonight, I go to prison and I'll get a job for Christmas maybe?
"I've got a family to pay for - a young child who is one next week. What can I do now? And it's coming up to Christmas as well."
But the spokesman added: "These new posts have not replaced any permanent or agency jobs in Manchester.
"Agency staff have also been invited to apply for other full-time, permanent positions which have recently been created."Agency staff have also been invited to apply for other full-time, permanent positions which have recently been created.
"Several agency employees successfully applied for these permanent jobs, while others have now returned to work for the agency in other roles.""Several agency employees successfully applied for these permanent jobs, while others have now returned to work for the agency in other roles."
HMP Kirkham is a category D training prison with a capacity for 590 prisoners.HMP Kirkham is a category D training prison with a capacity for 590 prisoners.