This page lists those employers that we’re aware of that have particularly negative policies towards people with convictions. This links to our work to support and challenge employers.
Against each employer, we briefly explain why we think their policy is particularly negative.
If you come across an employer with a particularly negative policy, please let us know – email the details (in confidence) to debbie.sadler@unlock.org.uk.
Please note: We are focusing on this page on companies that have negative or blanket policies. Although a company may have refused to employ an individual with a criminal record, this may not necessarily be because of a particularly negative policy, but rather the result of a case-by-case approach. On this page we are looking for general policies or statements that indicate that employers take blanket approaches towards criminal records. However, some employers publicly claim to have a case-by-case approach, when in reality there is little consideration of individual circumstances. In these situations, where may include the company here and explain the reasons for doing so.
Amazon
Amazon has told us that they have a policy of not employing people with unspent convictions.
DHL Express
In a response on Twitter in August 2016, DHL Express UK said “DHL Express won’t employ anyone with a criminal conviction”.
E.ON UK
E.ON told us that they have a policy of not knowingly employing people with unspent convictions.
Royal Mail
Royal Mail has a long list of offences which, if unspent, means that you won’t be employed by them. This type of ‘blanket’ policy is something we try to encourage employers against. This list can be found under the Criminal Convictions page of the Royal Mail website.
Mitchells & Butlers
Mitchells & Butlers Plc runs approximately 1784 pubs, bars and restaurants. Included in their brand is Vintage Inns, Harvester, Toby Carvery, All Bar One, as well as several others. Mitchells & Butlers have confirmed to us that “they do not have a blanket policy of not employing people who have a conviction. Those with spent convictions are welcome to apply, like anyone else, however it is our policy to not consider those with unspent convictions”.
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I find it ironic that DHL are supplying canteen in prisons and offer NVQ courses but they don’t take on ex offenders. I did a course with and nothing came of it on release no support or anything. Probably offered courses to get the prison contracts.