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Would you be happy to share your workplace with a prisoner ?

High street key cutters and shoe repairers Timpsons have opened a workshop in a dis-used farm building in Kent, close to Blantyre House prison in Goudhurst, where they train up prisoners during the day, they go back to the prison at night, and once they have finished their sentence they get a job at the end of it.

Justice Secretary Ken Clarke visited the workshop this week to officially open it and he is calling on businesses to hire ex-offenders to improve their job prospects and reduce re-offending rates.

Prisoners get 拢10 a week for the work. Chief Executive of Timpsons John Timpson says 61% prisoners will go on to reoffend, on schemes like his that figure drops to 19%.

He says one in 20 of the firm's staff have left prison in the last three years, that they are one of the biggest employers of ex-offenders in the country, they have no prejudice against ex-prisoners, all offenders are "risk checked" and that they do not not accept sex offenders or prisoners with mental health issues.

So what is there not to like if it reduces re-offending rates and gives ex-cons and prisoners the chance to put their lives back together, which they otherwise would not have had?

Well, the unions are not happy GMB union leader Paul kenny says Ken Clarke has taken leave of his senses! He says "There are 2 million people on the dole looking for work and the idea of by passing them is frankly ludicrous and unacceptable!" Is he right?

Do you think it is unfair that prisoners, criminals should be given a leg up in the job market?

Do you suffer from ringing in your ears? Are the effects of the condition Tinnitus ruining your quality of life?

Today the Cold Play singer Chris Martin has revealed that he has been suffering from tinnitus for a decade.

The musician, who blames the painful ear condition on listening to loud music as a teenager, is warning youngsters to avoid the same fate.

After doctors warned him the tinnitus could end his musical career, he began wearing earplugs at concerts and when he is performing.

We speak to Mark Scutchings, who is an audiologist at the Chaucer Hospital in Canterbury.

We hear your views and opinions.

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