Niacro

Approximately 30,000 people are convicted in Northern Ireland each year. Many of them have received their convictions  for minor offences and few pose a serious risk of harm, but they can all face discrimination when they apply for a job. This means that ex-offenders with skills, experience and knowledge are not able to contribute to the economy.

There is also a criminal justice cost. Evidence shows that education, training and employment all significantly reduce the likelihood of someone re-offending.

NIACRO works with employers to encourage fair treatment for job applicants who disclose criminal convictions. We work closely with agencies such as the Equality Commission and the Labour Relations Agency to develop our links with employers from a wide range of sectors.

We offer a free, confidential, advice service to employers and job applicants. We also run a half day training workshop each month on the fair recruitment of people with criminal convictions. It covers:

1. Concerns / issues for employers and applicants regarding the practicalities of employing a person with a conviction.

2. The rehabilitation of offenders legislation and how it impacts on the workplace. 

3. How to facilitate disclosure of convictions.

4. Looking at the risk issues when assessing the relevance of an individual’s conviction to the job they are seeking.

Last year, we delivered training to 737 people from 204 organisations.

In an evaluation of the Jobtrack programme, employers described the service as “excellent, realistic and practical”, “quick and efficient” and “always there for us”.  

Employers who want to promote their commitment to good practice can apply for accreditation to NIACRO's Employment Equity Award.

Many of the employers who engage with us offer their help and support to service users through job placement programmes and “Meet the Employer” events. We held 12 of these in 2010/11, four in the prisons and eight in the community.

If as an employer you would like our help or feel you could support our activities, please use the contact details to the right of this page.

Employment Advice Line

NIACRO’s employment advice line receives calls from people who are concerned about the impact of existing and new legislation on their jobs and job applications, and from employers who want to know where they stand when they get an application from someone with a conviction.

When an employee or applicant calls us, we first discuss their concerns. This will help us determine if there is sufficient evidence to take the problem up with their employer on their behalf and whether ongoing support is necessary. As changes to vetting procedures are brought in, there has been an increase in the demands on employers, job applicants and employees, many of whom have concerns on how the processes will affect them. Some of these queries may result in the need for legal advice, which NIACRO may be able to support. Last year, we dealt with 633 enquiries from employers and employees.

To access our advice line, contact us on 028 9032 0157.

Contact Details

Anne Reid
Tel: 028 9032 0157
Email: here

Documents

Engaging the Employer