Why are women’s prisons "not working"?

"Prison isn't working" for women, according to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood.  
   
She told the Labour Party conference that after serving a short custodial sentence, women are more likely to reoffend than those given a non-custodial sentence. Women are also less likely to get a job after leaving jail than men.  
  
As the government launches an inquiry into reoffending rates, Niall is joined by Sky’s home editor Jason Farrell who has visited a women's jail to see what conditions are like, and hears from former inmate turned researcher Scarlett Roberts about her experience of rehabilitation in prison. 

 
In response to Jason’s reporting, Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: 
  
"For many women, prison isn’t working. Most women in prisons are victims themselves. Over half are mothers, with a prison sentence separating parent and child.   
  
“That’s why I am establishing a new Women’s Justice Board, tasked with reducing the number of women in prison by exploring alternatives to custody for female offenders.” 
 

 
  
Podcast Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse  
Editor: Paul Stanworth