>>>the majority of jobs now require CRB checks
In England and Wales (where 'basic' CRB checks, only showing non-spent convictions aren't available) employers shouldn't be able to obtain 'standard' (or 'enhanced') level checks on a potential employee unless the employment falls into one of 66 categories:
http://www.homeoffice...ons-guide?view=Binary
If an employer seeks to obtain a CRB check upon a job candidate where the vacancy isn't within those categories (by falsifying the information submitted with the application for a check) then the employer is breaking the law. However, as you state, many employers (in fields not covered by the legislation) still seem to find ways of getting CRB checks which they're not entitled to.
For example, I can't find anything in that list which suggests that Royal Mail should be entitled to insist upon CRB checks for its sorting and delivery staff. (So it's ironic that employers are prepared to break the law themselves in order to find out if potential employees have ever done so!).
Pressure needs to be put upon MPs to introduce the Scottish (and Northern Irish) model, whereby any employer is entitled to require a 'basic' CRB check (showing only non-spent convictions) but only employers within the specified 66 categories can access 'standard' and 'enhanced' checks (which show non-spent convictions).
35% of British males acquire a criminal record before their 30th birthday, so it's an issue which affects a large number of people.
Rehabilitation periods also need to be reduced:
http://www.nacro.org....cy/change-the-record/