For 20 years Unlock has, as an independent charity, provided a voice and support for people who are facing stigma and obstacles because of their criminal record, often long after they have served their sentence. We believe in a society where people can thrive and are not held back by their past. This means a fair and inclusive society that removes unnecessary barriers and supports the reintegration of law-abiding people with a criminal record. Government has an important role to play in finding solutions so that no one is left behind.
We need a fair justice system – one that gives a second chance to people who have served their time and want to make a fresh start. Helping people with convictions to secure employment, support their families and contribute to the economy is one of the best ways of making communities safer. Yet the law as it stands means people are forced to disclose convictions to employers and others for many years – sometimes for the rest of their lives. While in some cases this will be necessary to protect the public, the current approach does little to make our country safer. Instead people are locked out of jobs and opportunities, unable to contribute to society or to achieve their potential because of a criminal record that is effectively a life sentence.
There are over 12 million people with a criminal record and every year we hear from thousands of people held back unnecessarily – locked out of employment, refused home insurance, excluded from higher education and professional membership.
But 2024 can be one of opportunity: to radically rethink the people who have turned their backs on crime can and should have the opportunity to unleash their potential and make a positive contribution to society.
We have published a briefing explaining Why we need reform of the criminal records system.
We are calling on the government to commit to a fundamental review and reform of the criminal record system, focused around the following principles:
A fair and proportionate system
- No lifelong restrictions without an opportunity to review and appeal decisions
- Restrictions should be proportionate to the offence and severity of sentence imposed
- Criminal record impact should reflect someone’s age and maturity
An effective system in practice
- Legal protection against unnecessary or inappropriate disclosure
- Encourage and incentivise good practice
A clear and transparent system
- Clarity about what is part of a criminal record and when it has to be disclosed
- Transparency so people can see their own criminal record
Our policy manifesto sets out the changes we are calling for: Unlocking change.
