Why is this important?

Over 11 million people in the UK have a criminal record, with around a third of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance having received a criminal record in the last 10 years, and yet 75% of employers admit to discriminating against applicants on the basis of a criminal record.

People with irrelevant criminal records are often discouraged from applying for jobs that ask about them on the application form.

Employers can’t afford to ignore the diverse skills and experience of people with criminal records.

Ricky’s experience of applying for work shows the benefit to employers that ‘ban the box’ from application forms, instead dealing with criminal records at the job offer stage, giving people a chance to be interviewed on their merits.

Popular guidance

Below are quick links to the top 5 most visited parts of the practical guidance section:

1. Wording of questions about criminal records

2, When to ask about criminal records

3. Doing the correct level of criminal record check

4. Carrying out a criminal record assessment

5. Ignoring spent criminal records

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