Prisoners could be used to plug defence jobs gap

PRISONERS could be used to help build warships amid gaping skills gaps in Britain's workforce.

- By James Knuckey

Keir Starmer's Government is reportedly considering plans to recruit young offenders to work in the defence industry.

The move could see 5,000 welding vacancies filled by prisoners and ex-offenders as part of an apprenticeship scheme.

It comes as the UK and European allies move to increase defence spending amid concerns over the threat posed by Russia.

This year, the Government announced what it says is the biggest rise since the Cold War.