When Sarah discovered that her boyfriend of eight years had cheated on her, she was devastated. In a moment of shock, she slapped him. She had never hit anyone before.

Her boyfriend was furious and called the police. When they arrived, Sarah told them honestly that she had hit him and explained the circumstances. The police were understanding of the situation, and suggested Sarah accept a police caution for the slap. Sarah was still reeling from the breakdown of her relationship and agreed. She had no idea that accepting a caution would give her a criminal record, she just wanted to get things over with.

For years, Sarah worked as a nanny for the same family. After she ended her relationship and moved out on her own, the caution appeared on the detailed criminal record check performed annually by her nanny agency. Both the agency, and the family she worked for decided she was too much of a risk because of her criminal record and terminated her employment. She was devastated and left reeling, unable to afford her new rent without income.

Sarah is not alone

More than 12 million people in the UK have a criminal record. Most are for minor offences which happened many years ago. These people are just trying to move on with their lives, but their record can keep them trapped in the past, unable to find work or fulfil their potential.

No one should be punished forever

After years of qualifications, Sarah has been unable to get on the books with another nanny agency, as they all perform detailed background checks which reveal her caution. The slap shows up as ‘battery’ on the checks, which sounds serious, and none of the agencies have given Sarah the chance to explain the circumstances. Being a nanny is all she’s ever wanted to do, and she’s now stuck trying to find other work without relevant experience.

Let’s build a better system

People who’ve taken responsibility for their actions need a fair chance to find work and fulfil their potential. But records of old offences, many of which are irrelevant to the job at hand, keep them trapped in the past.

FairChecks is calling for all political parties to support a review of the criminal records system, with the aim of making it fairer and more proportionate. If nothing changes, people who’ve worked hard to turn their lives around will continue to be punished for decades. This isn’t justice.

Add your name so that people like Sarah can have a fair chance to find work and fulfil their potential. Be sure to opt in for updates on our progress as we work towards reform.