should people with criminal convictions

[nailit]

be given a chance to gain employment?
I ask because I have criminal convictions (including time spent in prison) but my last conviction was over 10 years ago and all my convictions are now 'spent' (allegedly). However, the majority of jobs now require crb checks and even though my convictions are now spent they still show up on crb checks and employers are obviously reluctant to employ ex cons. I dont think that the world owes me a living, I just want the chance to make one and to get of benefits. I know that this question should probably be put in law but chaterbank seems more lively ;-)

[rozia]

it all depends on what job you are going for and what you were in for!!! yes you are entitled to get a job, and hats off to you for trying to find one!!. It is hard for ex convicts in this climate for jobs, its hard for everyone. CRB Checks are there for a reason and sometimes employers don't use common sense and just go on the CRB check, they should use their heads and make the decision based on interview/CRB check/personality/mannerisms/ its hard work, but you will do it, just takes time. Good Luck!!

[nailit]

cheers roz for a positive answer. It just seems that Im not allowed anymore to get on with life when it comes to employment.Im not a sex offender or a murderer but often made to feel like one when I have to keep going over my past...a past that is already paid for.

[rozia]

I know its hard out there, and some people can be very narrow minded, but i also understand when people get put off at the first sign of convictions, have to be very careful these days. It will happen, you will find a job, keep persevering, How long have you been looking for? Im glad to hear you are not a sex offender or murderer!!!! lol

[rozia]

what kind of job are you applying for?

[Zhukov]

I wish you the best...you want to do well ..keep at it..I think youll do well..

[cathfromsaron]

yes, instead of bludging off us!

CRBs do not hav to be clear to gain employment, providing you are honest about what they are beforehand!

[Zhukov]

"bludgers" - are you in Oz,cathfromsarum -?

[nailit]

thanks roz and zhuk.
I have convictions for assault and ABH (custodial sentences) and other minor convictions, mostly drink related. However it seems that because of my convictions for assault and ABH that any job involving the public (which would just about be ANY job) that I am not suitable. That in spite of the fact that I have spent many years in charity/voluntary work.

[Buenchico]

>>>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/

[rozia]

Keep your head held high and make a good impression at the interviews, show you are a different person. I have my fingers crossed that you get a job, keep us posted.

[Zhukov]

ya ever fancy emigrating,nailit?

[askyourgran]

I wish you well nailit. A friend's son has just served 12 months and was worried about employment he has a wife and a little boy. He was interested in keep fit while inside, and he has now started a gym going and qualified in personal training. It's hard enough to find a job, but don't give up, be honest and sincere about serving your time all that time ago, the lessons have been learned.

[nailit]

zhukov, Ive often thought of emigrating, I do like spain...
roz, thanks, I will
Buenchico, very informative, thank you.

[nailit]

thanks Gran, very positive. (I like positive....surrounded by naysayers at the job centre at the mo)

[Zhukov]

be lucky

[nailit]

buenchico, just read through that list and noticed police officers on there. I recently read in my local newspaper how many officers had criminal convictions. Perhaps I should apply to the police force for a job???

[Buenchico]

Don't bother, Nailit. You're clearly too intelligent!
;-)

[nailit]

*Chortlesplutters* buenchico....compared to some of the monkeys and meatheads that have locked me up I can believe it.

[nailit]

chortlesplutters????? where the hell has THAT come from? That not what I typed. what type of spellchecker/sensor is on this site?

[Zhukov]

You want to be a Copper?..unless you are fairly resilient,and get on with most people..imo..no!

You want to make it as a Poltician
...there is no basic level entry.