Criminal Convictions, Criminal History and Employment
Clients are often concerned about the impact of their criminal matters on their job and employment prospects in the future. While this article provides important information for people facing criminal convictions or with a criminal history, employers should also take note. While some employees simply cannot do their job because of their criminal history (for example, where they require security clearances), employers should take care when making hiring decisions where applicants have a criminal history. Where a person’s ability to do their job is in no way impacted by their criminal history, employers must take care not to fall foul of anti-discrimination law. Additionally, it may pay to enquire as to the circumstances surrounding an applicant’s offending. Your best employee may have made a foolish mistake or shown a lapse in judgement which has resulted in their criminal history. Jumping to conclusions about a person’s trustworthiness may be at the cost of securing the most competent,...