Criminal Convictions: A Bar to Equality of Employment

Abstract

The position of ex‐offenders as a group who are as equally in need of protection as those who are discriminated against on grounds of race or sex is highlighted. The provisions of the unfair dismissal legislation as they bear on ex‐offenders and the extent to which this legislation and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 are safeguarding the recruitment prospects and job security of those whose convictions have become “spent” is examined. It is concluded that the legislative provisions are ineffective and in need of amendment, possibly along the lines of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and the Race Relations Act 1976. Such an Act should be complemented by a Code of Practice explaining employers′ obligations and urging them to include ex‐offenders in equal opportunities policies.