Fewer criminals will have to inform potential employers about their criminal past under new measures set to be introduced by Scottish ministers to help them in their rehabilitation. 

Under current rules prisoners who have been sentenced to less than 30 months in prison must disclose this information for at least ten years when they are applying for a job, with those having longer sentences having to disclose their stint behind bars indefinitely.

Under new proposals suggested by Scottish ministers, however, prisoners who have had less than four years in prison will not need to inform potential employers and can disclose their sentence as well as reduce their rehabilitation period. 

Not Affect Serious Crime

Despite some criticism regarding the changes, the Scottish Government insists that the changes will not affect those convicted of a serious crime or those seeking to work with children. Paul Wheelhouse, the Community Safety Minister, said: "It is clear that if we are serious about reducing reoffending in Scotland's communities, we need to do more to support people back into work after they've repaid their debts to society.

“It is absolutely right that those who have committed crimes serve their sentences, but it is equally important that once those who have committed crimes have paid back, they are allowed to try and move on with their lives in a positive way.”

Clean Slate

It is hoped that the new changes will allow offenders to get their life back on track, with the time of disclosure changing from ten years to four years plus sentence.  Research has shown that it is eight times more difficult for an applicant with a conviction to be hired, with many employers admitting that they favour those with clean backgrounds. 

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