Survey finds nearly half of Buxton residents say minor criminal offences should be revealed to employers

uCheck.co.uk, an online platform for checking Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) records, asked 3,200 UK residents whether they agree with the current situation where certain convictions may be filtered from someone’s record after a short period of time.

Of respondents in Buxton, 45 per cent thought minor convictions should remain on ex-criminals’ records without being eligible for filtering.

That compares to a national average of 54 per cent. Residents from the West Midlands felt most strongly about the matter with 64 per cent in favour of complete records. Those in London were most keen on granting second chances (43 per cent).

A uCheck spokesman said: “It’s important to familiarise yourself with legislation surrounding DBS checks and employment, especially if you have had a minor offence added to your record.

“Make sure you know what cautions and convictions can be disclosed to third parties in order to prevent a breach of your personal data and to protect your privacy.”

Offences which could be filtered from DBS records include shoplifting, common assault, destruction of property and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Any conviction will stay on a person’s police records until they turn 100, but if they are filtered, they will not be disclosed on the DBS certificate. In fact, it is illegal for an employer to take into account a conviction that has been filtered or, in legal terms, is ‘protected’.

34 per cent of survey respondents said they would feel less secure at work if they knew a colleague had a criminal record for a minor offence. However 55 per cent did not know whether their employer carries out background checks on candidates.

Respondents in the finance industry felt most strongly (87 per cent) about all convictions remaining in DBS checks. Those in the legal industry were more lenient – just 41 per cent said minor convictions should not be filtered.

To see the results from across the UK, click here for the infographic.

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