Reform criminal record checks and help people move on
Peter protected a pregnant woman from being attacked when he was a teenager. The judge praised his actions in court, but he still got a criminal record. He's a happy family man now, but employers won’t hire him because of his record, and he struggles to provide for his family.
Maureen pushed someone who was harassing her sister and was fined for actual bodily harm. She found work as a dinner lady and moved on with her life. But decades later, a new boss saw her 35 year old conviction and fired her, saying she was too much of a risk.
Peter and Maureen are not alone.
1 in 4 people of working age in the UK have a criminal record
At the moment, thousands of people are forced to reveal very old and/or minor offences to employers, keeping them trapped in the past and unable to find work or progress in their careers. Criminal record checks are sometimes necessary, but in many cases they prevent people who committed minor offences years ago from finding work and moving on. No one should have to face discrimination for decades when they have already been punished.
How can we build a fairer system?
We’re 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 to show your support, and together we will fight for a fairer system.
Add your name to show your support, and together we will fight for a fairer system.
