This morning Greg was asked for his input by Radio Cumbria to discuss the issue of people with previous criminal convictions applying for work. There a group campaigning to have the box on application forms, which says "do you have any previous convictions" stricken off to enable people to get a second chance.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/player/p01hsbsr

The conversation starts at 9.00, Greg's statement is at 19.02.

As an employer working in the regulated sector all our security staff require a Security Industry Authority licence, a process which includes a Criminal Record Bureau check. The basis of Greg's comments is that the SIA apply the CRB check and then make a decision based on the seriousness of a conviction and how recent it was? For example someone convicted of a dishonesty offence such as theft within the last 5 years would likely not be granted a licence. But, if they had been convicted of a minor theft such as shoplifting perhaps 8 years ago and this was their only offence, they may well be granted a licence.

Greg's personal viewpoint was: that as much as I'm for giving people a second chance, my duty of care is to my customer as I deploy my staff on their site, not mine. They are in a position of trust and must have the highest honesty and integrity.

What are your thoughts about this? Do you think the box should be removed from application forms?
Please discuss.