The impact of criminal records on people from BAME backgrounds

Unlock, the charity that provides a voice and support for people with convictions who are facing stigma and obstacles because of their criminal record, have published a new report on the impact of criminal records on people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

Over three-quarters of those surveyed for the report felt their ethnic background had made the problems they face as a result of their criminal record harder and the overwhelming majority cited employment as one of the problems they faced.

The report makes several recommendations for the government, including the introduction of fair chance hiring practices and a statutory requirement for all employers to delay any questions about criminal records until the pre-employment stage. Read the full report here.