A new workshop is to be built at a Norfolk prison as part of a government drive to cut reoffending.

Wayland Prison, near Watton, is one of six prisons where new houseblocks, including a workshop, are to be built as part of a £500m construction deal.

Watton & Swaffham Times: Five people have been charged as part of an investigation into prohibited items being brought into HMP WaylandFive people have been charged as part of an investigation into prohibited items being brought into HMP Wayland (Image: Archant)

Prisons minister Victoria Atkins announced a contract has been awarded to Kier and Wates to lead an alliance of small businesses to build the new houseblocks.

The category C men's prison will get what the government described as a state-of-the-art workshop to provide jobs training to prisoners.

The government says that will help get more ex-offenders into jobs.

The government says the proportion of ex-prisoners employed six months after release increased by two-thirds (66 per cent) between April 2021 and March this year.

Ms Atkins said: "This will boost public safety by giving offenders every opportunity to turn away from a life of crime and towards a future of gainful employment.

"These houseblocks are also great news for the local firms who will play a central role in constructing them, along with the communities who benefit from the jobs that will be created at the prisons."