Working with Employers
Category: Working with Offenders and Ex-Prisoners
NIACRO works with employers to encourage fair treatment for job applicants who disclose criminal convictions.
Over 100,000 people in Northern Ireland have a conviction (excluding motoring offences). Many have them 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 education, training and employment, all help to 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 a number of agencies including the Equality Commission and Business in the Community 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.
Many of the employers who engage with us offer their help and support to service users through job placement programmes and Employment Advice Clinics. If as an employer you 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 a number of calls from people who are concerned about the impact of existing and new legislation on their jobs and job applications. When an individual calls us, we offer support by discussing their concerns. This will help us determine if there is sufficient evidence to advocate to an employer on their behalf and whether ongoing support is necessary. As changes to vetting procedures are coming, there has been a growing level of 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. To access our advice line, contact us on 028 9032 0157. |
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Anne Reid Documents Links |
Employers who want to promote their commitment to good practice can apply for accreditation to NIACRO's Employment Equity Award. |  |