Mayor of London Boris Johnson with Shingai Musonza, an ex-offender given a second chance with a job in construction

Mayor of London Boris Johnson is calling on construction firms to employ more young people, especially ex-offenders.

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Research shows ex-offenders who gain employment are 50 per cent less likely to get into trouble again.

Schemes such as the Olympic Delivery Authority providing work placements for up to 60 ex-offenders on the Olympic Park are giving some a chance, but the Mayor wants to see more opportunities.

Mr Johnson said: “Ex-offenders deserve a second chance to turn their lives around and make an honest living. I’m asking the construction sector to get on board and offer our young people real opportunities on the abundance of exciting construction contracts we have in the capital.

“In these tough economic times it is hard for everyone out of work, but teenagers with criminal records often hit a brick wall. For every person we keep out of the prison system we potentially save tax payers £50,000 a year.

“I commend the companies already making great progress and encourage all firms to help us cut crime and offer work to ex-offenders.”

Shingai Musonza served a two-year prison sentence before embarking on the Get Into Construction training course organised by the Mayor and youth charity The Prince’s Trust.

The 20-year-old has now got a job as a banksman on the Crossrail project for construction firm Costain.

He said: “On the course, I learnt the skills that I needed to find work and I became really determined to succeed.

“I believe that everyone can change, no matter what their background. I’m so grateful to have been given a second chance.”