The first Asda/Prison complex outside Slough

Supermarket giants Asda are working side by side with HM Prison Services to open the first joint supermarket prison duplex, which it hopes will help with the smooth transition of ex-convicts back into society.

The high security supermarket which is being trialled in the Slough area will include 200 prison cells, a parole hearing board, a low budget hostel and the supermarket itself.

It is hoped that the linear flow provided by the new unit will enable prisoners to easily move back into society with minimal disruption in their environment.

The duplex will also provide current prisoners with opportunities to work behind the scenes where they can expect to earn 17p an hour for unpacking and stacking work.

When prisoners are paroled they will move from the store rooms, which are heavily guarded, onto night time shelf stacking and in time onto daytime work and eventually leading to a prime checkout position.

Asda spokesman Oliver Stewart explained their decision to work with the prison service. "Here at Asda we are committed to providing our customers with the best value for money possible. By utilising the fantastic man power available through captive workers we are able to save a great deal of money on wages and we are giving this back to the customers through the cheapest groceries available".

Asda's night shift warden Albert Holmes keeps the customers feeling safe

After parole, reforming prisoners will be expected to serve for one year with Asda before being given a permanent off-site living unit. At this time, ex-convicts will be free to leave the Asda-Wal Mart family if they wish.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke has warmly welcomed the partnership with Asda claiming that the ability to allow prisoners to have their first job back in society within the same area they are accustomed to will aid rehabilitation by 37% (a figure he appeared to make up on the spot).

"It is extremely important that we enable a workable program that will solve these re-offending problems. Our intention is to make the jump back into legitimate society as easy as possible", Mr Clarke explained.

Some city centre schools are proposing a pre-emptive rehabilitation training scheme for potential young offenders.