Would you employe somebody with a criminal record?

All things equal. No.
If they were the better candidate then id seriously question their integrity then offer them a job if satisfied.
 
Yes I would but it would obviously depend on what it was.
The only difference between those with records and those who don't is that the latter haven't been caught.
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone etc.
 
For me it depends on the job being applied for, what the crime was, how the candidate explained it in the interview, how suitable the rest of their experience and skills are and what other candidates are applying. It would definitely be a negative point compared to someone with equal skills and experience but not a criminal record. But equally I would still consider them on merit.

However in my current line of work (finance sector) they are unlikely to get past the HR checks so they're would be little point in me considering them.
 
Dimple said:
The only difference between those with records and those who don't is that the latter haven't been caught.
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Interesting if a little misguided approach.

Obviously type and level of a crime is a key to such decision. I don't think record of doing time for hacking or cybercrime would in any way become a problem during IT job search. If anything, it might be desirable in some parts of the industry. Same goes for record of aggravated assault and bouncer/bodyguard job. Theft depends on what was stolen. Would car theft on record stop the subject getting hired as a car mechanic or vehicle security installer?

Burglary or rape on the other hand would be one of those crimes that indicate incurable lack of moral compass. Both are violation against very personal security, which is sacred. Always harmful, and decision to commit is always made with full recognition of consequences. Doing time doesn't change mental predisposition required to commit it. It can only introduce fear of consequences, but the person on some level is always "rotten", whatever missing element of psyche that allowed them to do it previously, is still missing afterwards. Not something you want around you in professional environment.
 
If no-one gives them a job how are they ever going to turn their lives around?

That being said theres some jobs that are not suitable, a convicted paedophile applying for a job at kids nursery for one. So it depends on the crime, and the job applied for.
 
woofercooker said:
A guy came for an interview today for a job where i work, The manager that interviewed him was telling us how he told him he had a criminal record for various thefts
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depends on the offence - for multiple thefts nope, ditto to anything dishonest like fraud etc...

on the other hand if someone got caught with some weed or had a conviction for dangerous driving then I'd look at them differently

obviously this is all a bit mute if the law says you can't discriminate in that way
 
I run my own business and have 17 people working for me. Two of them have criminal convictions and one has spent time in prison, both of them have worked for me for over 10 years now. In my experience, given a chance, training and trust, they make as good an employee as any other. The biggest issue, is making the choice to employ them in the first place. In both instances it was a gut feeling they would be good for my business, i was right both times.
For small business's like mine, it's a personal thing when you employ someone. For a large business, if you don't tick all the boxes, you won't even get an interview.....................even more so if you have a conviction.
 
Hitman_Leon said:
I read somewhere that some firms will even turn down prospective employees with bad credit history so it's got to be tough out there if you have convictions.
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I think it's only firms that deal with money, such as banks. The arguement is something along the lines of, how can a bankrupt customer service rep. give sound advice when they are bankrupt themselves.
 
BennyC said:
This.

They'd obviously need to be the strongest candidate too. It depends on the crime and how it could affect the business should they re-offend.

For example somebody convicted of a serious driving offense would be more preferable than someone convicted of theft to work in a retail/distribution environment. Someone with no criminal convictions would have course be ideal :p
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this.

if someone hasn't paid a fine compared to GBH.
 
No.

I would turn them down on the spot. Then complain about the rate of re-offending and say they are all just too lazy to get a job.
 
I've seen jobs in my industry you can't get if you have points on your license (cyber security). So I wouldn't think of hiring someone with a record in this company - hell there are jobs I can't do here because my GF is a foreign national.


If the job/company was less confidential though, I wouldn't rule him out for a few thefts.
 
ince said:
No way people of that character rarely change. Out of 1 who has changed there will be 99 who can't or never will
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Complete ********, i was a naughty kid and hung around with the wrong crowd 80% of us come through it and are family men now, the other 20% are either dead or in prison.

I would give someone with a criminal record a job, the fact i was given a couple was the only thing that stopped me going totally off the rails as a young un.

People change if someone interviews well and is given a probation period it shouldn't matter what there past is.
 
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