Criminal record tick box blocks talent, says Business in the Community

The charity Business in the Community is calling for employers to remove the criminal record tick box used on application forms, describing it as “a blunt instrument that locks many out of work” and blocks talent “at the first hurdle”.
Fri, 14 Mar 2014 The charity Business in the Community is calling for employers to remove the criminal record tick box used on application forms, describing it as “a blunt instrument that locks many out of work” and blocks talent “at the first hurdle”.

The call comes from Nicola Inge, work inclusion manager at Business in the Community, as part of the charity's work on reducing barriers into work for ex-offenders.

“A ticked box is often used as a proxy for ‘bad employee’,” says Inge. “However, a candidate’s criminal record may pose no risk at all. Removing the box ensures that talent is not blocked at the first hurdle.”

According to the charity, 75% of employers discriminate against ex-offenders because of their criminal record.

Inge’s advice comes after changes to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act that came into effect on Monday [10 March] reduced the length of time in which ex-offenders are required to tell employers about the criminal convictions – ie. before it becomes spent – for most unregulated job roles, when asked. After a conviction is spent, in the eyes of the law the person concerned is considered to be rehabilitated.

For more on this, see our Expert Advice section and also today’s International story to get the US perspective on giving young offenders opportunities for work.

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