Society should not give up on the troublemakers involved in last week’s riots, according to Tim Watts, the chairman of Pertemps.

Speaking after the disturbances that had blighted towns and cities throughout England, Watts told Recruiter: “Don’t give up on them.

“When they are part of a mob they are a mob, but when you pluck them out as individuals you can work with them,” said Watts.

Watts said the key was education and training. “They have probably got basic ability, but they probably need help with skills such as communication and with their attitude.”

Watts said with the right support, many individuals could find jobs, particularly in the skilled manual trades.

“Of course there are bad and very bad,” Watts added. And for those convicted of serious offences in the courts, Watts said he would like to see the introduction of “strict boot camps” based on those used in the US.

Watts said that prisoners should receive help with basic skills such as arithmetic, and language, as well as training for specific jobs.