📊 Important new data from the Ministry of Justice reveals a stark reality about criminal records in the UK’s working population – one that deeply affects our work here at the Oswin Project.
According to official figures released this week, approximately 1 in 4 working-age people in the UK have some form of criminal record on the Police National Computer (PNC). This represents between 9.4 and 12.6 million individuals of working age.
Let that sink in for a moment.
These aren’t just statistics – they represent real people facing real barriers to employment. Many of these records include minor offenses, cautions, or cases requiring no further action. Yet they can still significantly impact employment opportunities and life chances.
Key findings from the report:
22-23% of the working-age population has a nominal record
This includes not just convictions, but also cautions and cases requiring no further action.
The data covers individuals aged 16-64, representing our core working population.
At the Oswin Project, we’ve long advocated that a past record shouldn’t define a person’s future. These numbers underscore why our work in supporting employment opportunities and breaking down barriers is more crucial than ever.
🔑 What employers need to understand:
Many of these records are historical
– A significant portion represents minor incidents
– Each record represents someone with potential to contribute to the workforce
– With proper support, people with criminal records often become loyal, hardworking employees
This data challenges us all to think differently about hiring practices and the concept of rehabilitation. When we exclude nearly a quarter of the working-age population from employment opportunities, we’re not just affecting individuals – we’re impacting families, communities, and our entire economy.
It’s time to change the narrative. Having a criminal record shouldn’t be a life sentence to unemployment or underemployment.
What are your thoughts on these findings? How can we work together to create more inclusive hiring practices?
hashtag#SecondChances hashtag#Employment hashtag#SocialJustice hashtag#Rehabilitation hashtag#UKJobs hashtag#InclusiveHiring hashtag#WorkforceInclusion
[Data source: Ministry of Justice Statistical Release, October 2024]
https://lnkd.in/eM_DUU-8
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