Ex-criminals offered police jobs in new campaign to end the cycle of crime
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner is offering former crooks the chance to work in his office in a bid to rehabilitate ex-offenders.
David Jamieson has become the first PCC in the country to sign up to 'ban the box', a campaign to remove the check box on job applications that asks if people have a criminal record.
It means former drug dealers, murderers and rapists can apply for work at the commissioner's plush Birmingham city centre office knowing they will be assessed on their ability to do the job before any convictions are considered.
Assistant PCC Waheed Saleem, said: “By banning the box we can create more opportunities for ex-offenders and make sure that they aren’t stigmatised by an application form.
"We know that being in work reduces the chance of reoffending considerably which is why I am supporting this campaign.
“The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has a history of supporting ex-offenders, through providing placements and working closely with the Longford Trust to give people another chance.
"We all have a responsibility to reduce crime and I will be continuing to call on businesses and other employers to do the same.”
In signing up to the campaign, the PCC's office joined more than 125 employers, including the civil service, Boots and Virgin Trains.
Campaigners say that by giving former criminals the chance to compete for jobs they hope to bring down the estimated £15 billion a year cost of reoffending.
At his annual business summit in January, Mr Jamieson called on firms to reach out and give a second chance to those who may have served time in prison to help break the cycle of crime.
Jessica Rose, Business in the Community’s campaign manager said: “Two thirds of employers admit to discriminating against people with criminal records but the employers we work with recognise the skills and loyalty this diverse group of people can bring to their roles.
"Removing the barrier of a tick box can make all the difference to someone deciding to apply to your company or not and we need more forward-thinking employers to join the campaign to help stop the cycle of reoffending.”
Ban the box hopes to remove barriers to one million jobs across the UK by 2020.
Visit www.bitc.org.uk/banthebox for more information.
