Employing Someone With A Criminal Record?

[Jamie26]

Just wanted to know how people on here would feel about employing someone with a criminal record.

I did 5 months of a 12 month sentence and got out in March. I applied for jobs as I really wanted to make a fresh start and wanted to be earning again.

I went for the interview and got the job and was never asked about having a criminal record. I seemed to be getting on ok and didn't have any complaints about the job that I was doing.

There was one guy who I got on well with and used to hang around with at lunch, smoke break etc. and he asked me about where I had worked before and because I thought he was a mate I told him that I had been in prison for 5 months. I don't think he believed me at first as I probably didn't seem the type to him and he sort of just laughed it off. A few days later I got called in to see my boss and he told me that certain information had come to light and that as I was still on the probation period with the job that they would be letting me go. I hadn't lied about anything but hadn't come clean either so I decided not to make an issue of it and got paid for an extra few weeks. I wish I had of done now but that's the way it was.

When I was in prison and talking about making a fresh start some of the other guys would say that I wouldn't get anywhere because of being banged up and I thought they were making excuses but with what happened I see their point.

As it turns out I got something else after a while and am now working with a mate to try and set up our own business.

I've been thinking about that it is hard for someone with a record to get a chance and would be interested to hear what other people think?

 

[FreelanceSEO]

I know in this PC world of ours I should say that no it doesnt matter and I would give everyone equal opportunity, but for me if Im honest it would entirely depend on what you were sent down for.

There are some crimes that I personally would not employ someone after regardless whether they had served their time.

 

[Jamie26]

It was for ABH - after a fight went too far. I hadn't been in any serious trouble before and I felt really bad over it.

 

[Hayles]

It was for ABH - after a fight went too far. I hadn't been in any serious trouble before and I felt really bad over it.

Stiff sentence for ABH!?

However, I would employ someone who had a criminal record (such as yours). Maybe I'd feel different if you hadn't told me within a couple of weeks though.

I wouldn't employ someone who had committed certain crimes though, no matter how long they'd served or how much they told me they'd changed. Not PC I know. But tough.

H

 

[Matt Quinn]

It was for ABH - after a fight went too far. I hadn't been in any serious trouble before and I felt really bad over it.

If I'm honest, I'd have wanted rid too. I simply wouldn't want anyone with a record of violence or dishonesty working for me. Seen too much of it back in Springburn.

 

[mumper]

Good on you for not copping out and listening to others in the prison. You probably will have a tough time trying to find work, so starting your own business is possibly the best way to get back on your feet.

Good luck.

 

[adam]

I don't want to sound patronising but I would agree that you did the right thing and got a job, your determination is some proof that as you say this went a little too far and you paid the price.

As with others, the crime committed would make a big difference if I would employ you. As we deal with cash, any conviction working in another cash environment nicking money would be hard to forget.

Okay fights can go to far but I would also have to ask what made a decent person turn like that. If it was a sign of a temper I would wonder what you would do with my customers.

However, this is as a small business person where decisions simply are personal.

Being on here means I like your new route of starting up on your own and I do wish you the best of luck. Even if I knew of your past, this should be no barrier to doing business with you.

Only a few weeks ago it turned out one of my customers has just been charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs. Yes I was disgusted at this thought and not sure if my invoice will be paid if the company goes under but I would still have used his services if they were completely seperate from his other bad side if he was the best at the job (and had served his time of course).

 

[stugster]

I disagree with all the negative feedback you've been getting. In a small business, if someone is stealing money, it's p*ss easy to trace it through till loss or shrinkage.

As per your record, it's got absolutely nothing to do with dishonesty or theft - that's one of the reasons for having a record and not just saying "Been to Porridge".

I would have absolutely no problems employing someone like yourself

 

Hands up all those who have never broken the law.

Right now you all have your hands up.

what a load of wussies.

Many years ago I had a friend who was a pro boxer.

He was in a pub when he was attacked ,he hit his attacker once and sadly killed him.

he was charged with manslaughter and given 3 years.as

the judge said he had taken advantage of his pro boxing skills.

bullsh*t point is there but for the grace of God go I and you

Earl

 

[TheseWordsAreMyOwN]

As others have said it would depend on the crime that has been committed. I can imagine that it is difficult for anybody who has been to prison (no matter what it was for) to get back onto the ladder. Even minor crimes are frowned upon by some employers.

Just to echo what mumper has said, starting your own business is possibly the best way to get back on your feet.

 

[computerfaq]

I personally think that no matter what the crime was, if the individual can prove that they have been rehabilated, then it shouldn't prove a problem, although having said that there are some crimes which in the IT world makes you just unemployable. It's a shame as there are quite a few decent people out there convicted of such offences that in reality were too young to understand what was going on, or not really mature enough to be able to realise the consequences of their actions.

Having said that I wouldn't have a problem employing someone who had a criminal record assuming it didn't fall into one of those serious crimes that are internet or it based.

 

[Matt Quinn]

Hands up all those who have never broken the law.

Right now you all have your hands up.

what a load of wussies.

Many years ago I had a friend who was a pro boxer.

He was in a pub when he was attacked ,he hit his attacker once and sadly killed him.

he was charged with manslaughter and given 3 years.as

the judge said he had taken advantage of his pro boxing skills.

bullsh*t point is there but for the grace of God go I and you

Earl

I have a 6" scar across the right hand side of my face. The result of being attacked with a stanley knife. My attacker claimed to be a carpet fitter (thus the reason he 'happened' to have a stanley knife on him) and that I had 'pushed him too far'. In truth I had been trying to exit a pub at closing time and was attacked for simply being a Catholic....

Three months he got; I've been barely able to stand the sight of myself in the mirror to shave of a morning for 19 years... And counting....

I have a 3" scar across the back of the head... I was assaulted after threatening to call the police when a 15 year old 'happy slapped' my 9 year old daugther. Her Father, apparently thought I ought not to report it. Again, it was claimed that I had 'provoked' him; even though CCTV footage shows otherwise...

At the end of June I happened across a man assaulting a girl in the street. As the result of calling upon him to stop I was attacked... Fractured skull, broken cheekbone, smashed teeth which will cost literally thousands to repair...

Again, my assailant had 'just gone too far'........ Again HE was the unlucky one... Such a shame, poor lad... etc....

....."and sadly killed him."

THERE but for the grace of God go you or I!

 

I have a 6" scar across the right hand side of my face. The result of being attacked with a stanley knife. My attacker claimed to be a carpet fitter (thus the reason he 'happened' to have a stanley knife on him) and that I had 'pushed him too far'. In truth I had been trying to exit a pub at closing time and was attacked for simply being a Catholic....

Three months he got; I've been barely able to stand the sight of myself in the mirror to shave of a morning for 19 years... And counting....

I have a 3" scar across the back of the head... I was assaulted after threatening to call the police when a 15 year old 'happy slapped' my 9 year old daugther. Her Father, apparently thought I ought not to report it. Again, it was claimed that I had 'provoked' him; even though CCTV footage shows otherwise...

At the end of June I happened across a man assaulting a girl in the street. As the result of calling upon him to stop I was attacked... Fractured skull, broken cheekbone, smashed teeth which will cost literally thousands to repair...

Again, my assailant had 'just gone too far'........ Again HE was the unlucky one... Such a shame, poor lad... etc....

....."and sadly killed him."

THERE but for the grace of God go you or I!

Blimey Matt you have had a rough time.I was of course speaking in general ,your misfortunes are pretty extreme,and I can well appreciate you feeling pretty bitter at being so let down by the law.

I left Glasgow as a youngster for the softer fields of south east England.Seems a pretty wise move on my parents part.

Regards Earl

 

[Hayles]

I personally think that no matter what the crime was, if the individual can prove that they have been rehabilated, then it shouldn't prove a problem, although having said that there are some crimes which in the IT world makes you just unemployable. It's a shame as there are quite a few decent people out there convicted of such offences that in reality were too young to understand what was going on, or not really mature enough to be able to realise the consequences of their actions.

Having said that I wouldn't have a problem employing someone who had a criminal record assuming it didn't fall into one of those serious crimes that are internet or it based.

Really?

So, take this scenario.... you're married with a couple of young children. You work from an office at home so the kids are about quite often. The guy who comes for a job with you is a convicted child abuser. But of course he's done his time so he should be given another chance.... yeah right.

There are many crimes for which I would give someone a second chance (violence included in some circumstances). But no, definitely not all of them.

H

 

[Matt Quinn]

Blimey Matt you have had a rough time.I was of course speaking in general ,your misfortunes are pretty extreme,and I can well appreciate you feeling pretty bitter at being so let down by the law.

I left Glasgow as a youngster for the softer fields of south east England.Seems a pretty wise move on my parents part.

Regards Earl

Glasgow went through a period in the mid-late 70's where it wasn't too bad. But by the mid-80's it was going downhill again. I got out in '89, but went back to work part time in the city about seven years ago. Frankly, the place is a midden!

 

Glasgow went through a period in the mid-late 70's where it wasn't too bad. But by the mid-80's it was going downhill again. I got out in '89, but went back to work part time in the city about seven years ago. Frankly, the place is a midden!

I spent most of my adult life in London but that to is the pits off the tourist trail.

have spent the last 15 years in a little seaside town ,absolute bliss

major crime is when someone leaves the lid off there dustbin

you should try it the English are not nearly as bad as they say.They just lack the refinement of a Gorbals upbringing.

Earl

 

[Matt Quinn]

They just lack the refinement of a Gorbals upbringing.

Thank God for that!

I trained down in 'that London' from 1980-84... I was with Thames TV working out of Euston. Later I lived in the North East near Wooler. I liked the Geordies, know what you mean about London....

This place is a 'twee' (and expensive!) village about half way between Livingston and Edinburgh. I could think of better places, I could think of worse... Once my daughter's finished school I intend building a house somewhere along the Clyde coast... I used to live in a cottage just outside Ardrossan and seriously regret moving away from there....

 

[vidibids]

hi jamie,

there are some jobs where you would not get a sniff harsh i know but rules are rules personally, if you had not lied on your application form then they havnt asked the question which by the way is a most general question on most application forms.

i too have had violent encouters a glass smashed in the face leaving a nice scar, but thats the world we live in and that was 20yrs ago.

again the question should be asked by your prospective employer and then its up to them.

i think anyone is allowed one mistake but certain mistakes are never forgiven yours although violent can happen to anyone on a night out or even just driving to work. and you seem to have made it through and are now trying to get on with life,

Good luck
Paul

 

[Zii]

Glasgow went through a period in the mid-late 70's where it wasn't too bad. But by the mid-80's it was going downhill again. I got out in '89, but went back to work part time in the city about seven years ago. Frankly, the place is a midden!

Sorry to hear about your experiences however Scotland/Glasgow is my number 1 choice. To such an extent, many years ago I left a high paying job with car/apartment in LA to come back to Glasgow. Similarly 7 years ago, I left London (house, good job) to come back. That is when i decided to start up on my own.

No matter where you live there are bad places and good. My wife grew up in East End of Glasgow (dennistoun area) and along with my upbringing in Airdrie, I would say we saw our fare share of poverty/crime etc. However we both agree that we wouldnt leave Scotland for anywhere.

 

[Zii]

Just realised I went OT, so to the OP - Have you investigated what the law is in regards to disclosing this information?

If you dont have to, then continue to look for a job and live your life by keeping schtum. You made a mistake by telling a co-worker that you were in prison.

 

Just realised I went OT, so to the OP - Have you investigated what the law is in regards to disclosing this information?

If you dont have to, then continue to look for a job and live your life by keeping schtum. You made a mistake by telling a co-worker that you were in prison.

agreed human beings are just not capable of keeping stom .


interesting spelling Zii

Earl

 

Aye, the co-worker was a bit of an ass for touting on you, but it would probably have been better not to have told him/her.

I think starting on your own will remove any further problems - you certainly seem to have the enthusiasm for work and that will stand you in good stead.

What sort of business are you planning? You will get loads of good information on this forum.

Mark

 

[Zii]

interesting spelling Zii

and theres me thinking it would go unnoticed

 

[Matt Quinn]

Sorry to hear about your experiences however Scotland/Glasgow is my number 1 choice. To such an extent, many years ago I left a high paying job with car/apartment in LA to come back to Glasgow. Similarly 7 years ago, I left London (house, good job) to come back. That is when i decided to start up on my own.

No matter where you live there are bad places and good. My wife grew up in East End of Glasgow (dennistoun area) and along with my upbringing in Airdrie, I would say we saw our fare share of poverty/crime etc. However we both agree that we wouldnt leave Scotland for anywhere.

Well I wouldn't particularly want to leave Scotland either. But I wouldn't move back to Glasgow and, given my recent experiences will henceforth make sure that I'll only be attending nights out in the city if they're business related.. In which case I'll have my car close at hand. In other words I won't be spending money in the pubs, clubs, taxis or restaurants of the place...

The ironic thing is I WAS actually contemplating moving my office back to Glasgow... So that's more money that won't be contributing to the local economy...

Violence has far reaching effects; and they're not always the obvious ones....

 

[mumper]

agreed human beings are just not capable of keeping stom .


interesting spelling Zii

Earl

What spelling is that?

 

[estwig]

I have a very checkered past, to say the least, you have done the time and repayed the debt to society and all that. If they wish to let you go because of your past, then they are short sighted, narrow minded fools. It is what you are capable of achieving tomorrow that counts, not what you did wrong yesterday.

Sod 'em mate, their loss, move on.

 

[Zii]

What spelling is that?

there are different ways to spell :
shtoom
schtoom
shtum
shtumm
stumm

The one I did originates from the UK crime scene..

ref:
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/215700.html

 

[Cornish Steve]

To the original poster, I think you'll need to be judicious in how you go about this. No matter what people say, a prior criminal record is going to matter - but it matters less in some fields than in others. It's going to take time to restart your life, and I'm sure there will be setbacks; unfortunately, we can never completely wipe the slate clean from our past. It sounds as if you have the mental fortitude to focus on the long haul, and that is what matters. Be sure to set the right short-term expectations. Good luck.

 

[mumper]

there are different ways to spell :
shtoom
schtoom
shtum
shtumm
stumm

The one I did originates from the UK crime scene..

ref:
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/215700.html

Ahh, all is clear - I knew you'd spelt schtum correctly - I was looking for some other word in your post with an 'interesting' spelling

 

well bloddy hell we got the old oford thing out and it gives stom as being dumb.

so now the rotten wordsmith has butted in .

I apologise


Earl

 

[RayB]

Jamie - good luck to you. I would employ a convict but would base it on gut feeling at the time (but not an embezzler to do my books).

I also employ my missus (who owns a criminal record) - Des O'Conners Greatest Hits........................................

 

[hunny]

Jamie,
there is an organisation 'NACRO' that helps ex offenders back into work, you may find useful info here
http://www.nacro.org.uk/services/employment.htm

 

[Jamie26]

Stiff sentence for ABH!?

However, I would employ someone who had a criminal record (such as yours). Maybe I'd feel different if you hadn't told me within a couple of weeks though.

I wouldn't employ someone who had committed certain crimes though, no matter how long they'd served or how much they told me they'd changed. Not PC I know. But tough.

H

Yeah it was. I knew there was a chance of going down but thought getting a suspended or tag was more likely - my brief did too. I had 2 other minor convictions from before so that didn't help. I was pretty shattered when the judge gave it. You hear about people getting away lightly but not when it's the other way around.

Good on you for not copping out and listening to others in the prison. You probably will have a tough time trying to find work, so starting your own business is possibly the best way to get back on your feet.

Good luck.

After a few days there I decided it wasn't for me and started thinking about what I was going to do when I got out. It was tough and I went for a few jobs and told the truth and didn't hear anything back but kept on trying which was hard but I have to say I'm luckier than alot in there as I have some qualifications and that.

I don't want to sound patronising but I would agree that you did the right thing and got a job, your determination is some proof that as you say this went a little too far and you paid the price.

As with others, the crime committed would make a big difference if I would employ you. As we deal with cash, any conviction working in another cash environment nicking money would be hard to forget.

Okay fights can go to far but I would also have to ask what made a decent person turn like that. If it was a sign of a temper I would wonder what you would do with my customers.

However, this is as a small business person where decisions simply are personal.

Being on here means I like your new route of starting up on your own and I do wish you the best of luck. Even if I knew of your past, this should be no barrier to doing business with you.

Only a few weeks ago it turned out one of my customers has just been charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs. Yes I was disgusted at this thought and not sure if my invoice will be paid if the company goes under but I would still have used his services if they were completely seperate from his other bad side if he was the best at the job (and had served his time of course).

I know I was a bit shocked that I did what I did. I had been on the drink all night but that isn't an excuse. I was working in a company with about 100 people and had being doing the job without any problems so thought I was OK on that score.

I disagree with all the negative feedback you've been getting. In a small business, if someone is stealing money, it's p*ss easy to trace it through till loss or shrinkage.

As per your record, it's got absolutely nothing to do with dishonesty or theft - that's one of the reasons for having a record and not just saying "Been to Porridge".

I would have absolutely no problems employing someone like yourself

As others have said it would depend on the crime that has been committed. I can imagine that it is difficult for anybody who has been to prison (no matter what it was for) to get back onto the ladder. Even minor crimes are frowned upon by some employers.

Just to echo what mumper has said, starting your own business is possibly the best way to get back on your feet.

I personally think that no matter what the crime was, if the individual can prove that they have been rehabilated, then it shouldn't prove a problem, although having said that there are some crimes which in the IT world makes you just unemployable. It's a shame as there are quite a few decent people out there convicted of such offences that in reality were too young to understand what was going on, or not really mature enough to be able to realise the consequences of their actions.

Having said that I wouldn't have a problem employing someone who had a criminal record assuming it didn't fall into one of those serious crimes that are internet or it based.

Thanks for those.

hi jamie,

there are some jobs where you would not get a sniff harsh i know but rules are rules personally, if you had not lied on your application form then they havnt asked the question which by the way is a most general question on most application forms.

i too have had violent encouters a glass smashed in the face leaving a nice scar, but thats the world we live in and that was 20yrs ago.

again the question should be asked by your prospective employer and then its up to them.

i think anyone is allowed one mistake but certain mistakes are never forgiven yours although violent can happen to anyone on a night out or even just driving to work. and you seem to have made it through and are now trying to get on with life,

Good luck
Paul

I was never asked about it at the interview and it didn't come up before I started the job. Yeah I want to make a good life for the future and have to make it up to my gf and family.

Just realised I went OT, so to the OP - Have you investigated what the law is in regards to disclosing this information?

If you dont have to, then continue to look for a job and live your life by keeping schtum. You made a mistake by telling a co-worker that you were in prison.

Yeah I know - big mistake. I really thought he was a mate though!

I have a very checkered past, to say the least, you have done the time and repayed the debt to society and all that. If they wish to let you go because of your past, then they are short sighted, narrow minded fools. It is what you are capable of achieving tomorrow that counts, not what you did wrong yesterday.

Sod 'em mate, their loss, move on.

I'll go back to them in a few years and tell them that

To the original poster, I think you'll need to be judicious in how you go about this. No matter what people say, a prior criminal record is going to matter - but it matters less in some fields than in others. It's going to take time to restart your life, and I'm sure there will be setbacks; unfortunately, we can never completely wipe the slate clean from our past. It sounds as if you have the mental fortitude to focus on the long haul, and that is what matters. Be sure to set the right short-term expectations. Good luck.

Thanks I know it's with me for 10 years and that is crap but I am really working to get on with things.

Jamie - good luck to you. I would employ a convict but would base it on gut feeling at the time (but not an embezzler to do my books).

I also employ my missus (who owns a criminal record) - Des O'Conners Greatest Hits........................................

Convict - you don't know how much I hate that word!

Jamie,
there is an organisation 'NACRO' that helps ex offenders back into work, you may find useful info here

Yeah had a look at that but decided I didn't want to be going into a job with the tag of being an ex-prisoner. Wanted to get it for myself but if things don't work out it's still an option. I couldn't wait to finish having to go to see my probation officer after the first few months I was out on license. Want to put all that behind me!


Thanks for all the encouragement by the way - really appreciate it!

 

[swsw]

You are not your mistakes.

You've paid the price, don't let it hold you back.

Isn't there a period of time when you can lawfully say 'I have no convictions' when asked, rehabilitation of offendings act or something ?

And for all those people who think you should still keeping paying the price, think about if it was one of your children that had been in trouble, would you want them to been discrimated against for the rest of their lives ?

Course not, that's why there's laws against it(see above) for anything but the most serious of crimes.

Steve

 

[Jamie26]

Yeah in 10 years for most jobs - I'll be 36 then - seems like forever from now though.

 

[RayB]

Jamie - sorry for the term "convict" - at least I did say I would give the chance

As for "criminal record" - I hear the Spice Girls are reforming

 

[Shammy28]

Jamie,

I employ someone with a criminal record and he's my best employee. I will even hold up my hands and say I have been involved in drunken fights during my time so mistakes are made by all. You should have asked your employers at the time if there was anything wrong with your work.

There have been various comments and yes, it would depend on the crime you are convicted for. If you were involved with fraud then you chances would be slim in jobs, if it was child abuse then I can honestly say there would be no chance of someone walking through my doors.

Keep your chin up and keep applying. I would let people know at the end of interviews so they assess you fairly rather than having a negative opinion from the outset.

 

[Jamie26]

Jamie - sorry for the term "convict" - at least I did say I would give the chance

As for "criminal record" - I hear the Spice Girls are reforming

No worries. Been called a lot worse - believe me!

Jamie,

I employ someone with a criminal record and he's my best employee. I will even hold up my hands and say I have been involved in drunken fights during my time so mistakes are made by all. You should have asked your employers at the time if there was anything wrong with your work.

There have been various comments and yes, it would depend on the crime you are convicted for. If you were involved with fraud then you chances would be slim in jobs, if it was child abuse then I can honestly say there would be no chance of someone walking through my doors.

Keep your chin up and keep applying. I would let people know at the end of interviews so they assess you fairly rather than having a negative opinion from the outset.

I don't think I would say it again to be honest - people have their own ideas when they hear it especially with it being recent.

In general, do people on hear if they are interviewing people ask about criminal records at an interview or when people apply?

 

[Deleted member 9840]

Jamie, i'm sorry if i missed it, but i can't see, what is the line of work you do?
If it's any consolation 4 of my mates are ex prisoners (all drug dealing related) now run succesfull companies. Two in roofing, one in haulage and a bricklayer. It seams in the building trade conviction is no barrier.

good luck

steve

 

[DuaneJackson]

A good friend of mine was being interviewed for a job. He'd dont some very serious time. He came clean about it and he didn't get the job. They told him off the record it was only becuase of his conviction.

At the next interview, for a different company, he didn't admit to it and got the job. He's still working there and on a bloody good salary. But they could sack him tomorrow if they find out.

It's a joke really. Have you managed to get home contents insurance yet Jamie? It seems virtually impossible if you have a record.

I think you're going in the right direction in setting up on your own - you then have noone to answer to.