Jobs for Ex Offenders
There are plenty of jobs for ex offenders and suitable roles and schemes to get people back into employment. It makes perfect sense for society to support individuals getting back into work, and can help offenders to get on the straight and narrow.
Below, we explore jobs, and companies offering support such as job training programs for ex offenders to take advantage of. What are the prospects after a criminal conviction?
Getting a Job With a Criminal Conviction
Is it possible to find employers even if you have a criminal conviction? Plenty of companies will still respect your skills and give you a second chance.
Job prospects for people with a criminal record have improved in recent years as covered in our guide to refreshing a career for ex offenders.
Still, there are jobs that tend to be more flexible about hiring ex offenders than others. For instance, jobs at retail stores and fast-food chains may not care as much if you have a history of theft or drug possession convictions—as long as the job seeker can perform their duties.
Employers may be less likely to hire ex-offenders in jobs that involve a lot of public interaction, such as jobs at banks or other financial institutions. These roles require responsible and trustworthy individuals who can serve the community without making any errors.
Our guide to job applications can help you to land a role even with a previous conviction.
Roles for Ex Offenders
Some of the best jobs for ex offenders in the UK include:
- Traditional trades. There are jobs in the construction industry that do not require a formal qualification. This includes electricians, plumbers, and carpenters.
- Jobs in the service sector. There is always a need for people who work in customer service positions or roles where they deal directly with the public.
- Warehouse jobs. Many warehouses are looking for people to fill jobs in order fulfilment and shipping.
Do I Need to Disclose My Criminal Convictions?
A lot of people have this concern when applying for a job in the UK. The answer is that it depends on the conviction and the company you are applying to.
Some jobs will ask if you have any convictions and you may be required to answer. Some organisations are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) so are able to request this information, while others may not even mention previous convictions.
If a job asks about your criminal record, you should be honest and disclose all information. It is better to tell someone than have criminal records come up on a DBS check performed during the recruitment process.
Finding a Job as an Ex Offender
Employment opportunities are still out there for ex offenders. In many careers, there isn’t a limit to what you can achieve even after a conviction. Refreshing a Career works with many inclusive companies open to hiring ex offenders. Check our latest jobs to see if you can find and apply for a potential vacancy.
