Would you ever employ someone that has been in prison?

[minestrone]

poll to follow.

When I work out how to do it...

[Sockpuppet]

Yes.

I know a guy I met while he was on day release from a local prison. Was working up north and he worked in this cafe down the road.

After a few weeks he told me what he was in for. Armed Robbery.


You could tell talking to this guy (young about 23) that he wasn't a hardened criminal the time was hard for him. He just got swept away with some bad eggs. He was the lookout/driver but went down with the rest of them.

I'd employ him as he was released after 6 years (so about 2 years ago now).

Not employing people becuase they have criminal records is a self fulfilling cycle. If they can't get a job they'll just resort back to crime.

[minestrone]

One of my best frends has been in and out of prison all his life, when he was 14 he stole a car and drove it into someone's house, the chap that owned the car said that he had taken tools from the back of his motor which was untrue and to compound things he was dating the local daughter of the district sheriff, he got put away for 2 years in Polmont. This place made Shawshank look like a holiday. When you sat down at the table everyone had to walk round the table twice and when you poured a cup of tea everyone had to walk round the table. Everything had to be cleaned with a toothbrush.

He just ended up an OCD criminal. Whenever you went round his house he would be cleaning something, finish a cigarette and he would clean the ashtray before you started another.

Anyway, they should have just given him a choice in life rather than banging up to solve a problem.

[pmeswani]

The real answer is I don't really know. If someone had committed an offence of Fraud or Theft, would I trust them with my finances and assets? Would he use my trust to try and steal from me? Difficult questions to answer. I would probably say no.

[BrilloPad]

It depends on the offence and their attitude towards it.

I (nor my 4 siblings) have contact with my mother due to the man she is now living with. But his offence was severe (made the front page of the sun) and his attitude towards the offence is unbelievable. He sort of implies his victims were asking for it.

[gingerjedi]

Depends what they had done? I know someone who's been inside for manslaughter after defending himself from a drunk who died when falling awkwardly after being pushed, very nice chap.

[zara_backdog]

Like most here I think - depends on the crime and attitude. I would like to think I would hire the best person for the job regardless.

[Cyberman]

It would depend on the offence, but if the person had committed a crime of robbery, violence or fraud I would steer a wide berth.

[BolshieBastard]

Nope.

Not worth taking the chance on. In today litigious society, you'd just be opening yourself or your business up to some neferious claim by another business, an employee (whether one of yours or another business) or member of the public.

[Pogle]

Hmm interesting question - my brother was inside for spell and is currently out on probation. The only job he could get was as a cleaner.
He hates it, but with a record and the current economic climate I think he's lucky to get anything.
I would like to think I'd employ the right person for the job despite their past.