Ex-offenders 'deserve job chance'

Union says jobs can help prevent people re-offending

Employers are being asked to give a fresh start ex-offenders in a bid to cut crime and unemployment.

A Trades Union Congress (TUC) report says finding ex-offenders jobs is a good way of reducing the chances of them re-offending.

And it is unfair to further punish people who have served time in prison by denying them work, it says.

The report suggests a high proportion of unemployed people have criminal records and that many ex-offenders have low skills levels and poor qualifications.

All of us are less likely to be the victims of crime if we can help ex-offenders into work

TUC's John Monks

Legislation due to come into force next autumn will allow bosses the right to ask jobseekers for evidence of criminal convictions.

But ex-offenders may try to conceal their criminal records unless they know they will be treated fairly, according to the TUC.

TUC general secretary John Monks, said: "All of us are less likely to be the victims of crime if we can help ex-offenders into work.

"It is the most effective way of preventing them from re-offending."

"Many workers with a criminal record are valued employees, contributing to the success of their company.

"There is a strong business case for fair treatment."

Minister for Work Nick Brown said: "Nearly a third of all men have a criminal record conviction by the age of 40.

"The vast majority of those want to do all they can to settle down to stable and constructive lives."