‘Brilliant’ shoe repairs retailer Timpson praised after ex-offender offered manager position

The key cutting chain Timpson has been commended online, after an ex-offender revealed he will start in a new managerial role later this month.

Jack Twigg, from Manchester, said on Twitter that he was struggling to find work six months ago, as he had a criminal record.

“Timpson offered me a trainee role which changed my life. Today I’ve been told from April 12th I’m officially a branch manager with my own shop!

“I can’t wait to get started and kick on as a manager,” he wrote.

The company is well-known for “pro-actively” recruiting ex-offenders, with around 10 percent of their workforce comprising individuals who have criminal convictions.

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The retention rate for those recruited to Timpsons from prison or with a criminal record stands at approximately 75 per cent, meaning three quarters of colleagues who are ex-offenders do not go on to commit another offence.

Twitter users have since congratulated Twigg on his promotion, and praised the company for its stance on hiring ex-offenders:

It isn’t the first time that Timpson has been praised for its company policies, with the key cutters also applauded for offering job applicants the opportunity to have their suit cleaned ahead of an interview.

In a photo shared online, a sign outside one of their branches reads: “If you are unemployed and need an outfit cleaned for an interview, we will clean it for free!”

A quote from CEO James Timpson adds: “When times are tough, we will help you look your best.”

The firm also allows staff to have the day off when their children have their first day at school, and to get their COVID vaccination “in company time and at full pay”:

As well as receiving praise online, the company were also the focus of a London theatre show, with Timpson: The Musical performing at the King’s Head Theatre and Stockwell Playhouse after a run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.