Would you employ an ex-offender ?

[sparkyjohn]

I'm in two minds about an applicant. Whilst they have the best qualifications for the post applied for (all the applicants are recent graduates) these qualifications were completed in prison. The post is a position of considerable trust, with relatively unsupervised access to company funds. The person concerned was prosecuted for conspiring to pervert the course of justice and assisting an offender.

As far as we understand it (the applicant has come to us through a prison to work programme, so we have plenty of info) their motivation was to prevent their sibling being charged with the murder of his or her spouse by providing a false alibi, a charge which was later reduced to manslaughter, for which the sibling was prosecuted.

I don't feel that this has a bearing on the applicant's likely ability to do the job but I'm still wary.

Can I canvas some views ?

(apologies for incorrect use of their and they, I'm trying to minimise readily identifiable details)

[JakeR]

What does your gut tell you?

[Plotloss]

Whilst cuddly me says 'go on, reformed character, have a bit of faith in humanity' director me says 'not in a million years mate'

Not much help I grant you...

[sparkyjohn]

Plotloss said:

Whilst cuddly me says 'go on, reformed character, have a bit of faith in humanity' director me says 'not in a million years mate'

That's about where I'm at...

[Paperman]

Did the applicant know their spouse/sibling did the crime? If so, then it shows that even though it was a serious offence they were willing to help cover it up.

So at a rough guess would they be honest if a small amount of money was involved? My answer would be no.

To me it shows they have never heard of doing the right thing!

[puggit]

I think if they were trying to coverup something a bit more understandable to the rest of us (maybe corporate fraud) then we could relate and relent a little.

But murder?!?!?! This person was trying to cover up a murder?! (ok, ok manslaughter).

Sorry, wouldn't be working for me.

ok - so corporate fraud would rule them out of this job, but I used it as an eg of a crime I could understand someone covering

[Big_M]

Oooh - difficult one without knowing all the facts. The sibling could have been abused by a violent partner and lost their temper. How many people would be able refuse to provide an alibi to a relative/loved one in these circumstances. I heard somewhere that one in ten (I think) people have a criminal record so if you employ more than 10 people chances are you are already employing a crim. Problem is there is no way of checking - at least this person has been upfront.

[agent006]

Yes, maybe for a lesser offence, but not for false alibi for murder.

[dragstar]

at the end of the day, he was caught.

instead of wallowing in self pity/taking drugs inside or even coming out worse then he went in (not clear though), he picked himself up. got an education, and excelled at it.

he's the best at what he does. we all make mistakes, some seroius ones too.

i think, the best thing to do, is to explain your predicament to him, and see what he says.

if he convinces you, then give him the job.

Come on guys, we have to have some faith in humanity. (yes im aware i sound like a "speed kills" lentil-scoffer).

[JakeR]

In my view, sod the facts of the case, they went down for breaking the law, end of story. Does the person come over as a decent type or not?

I know a few people that have been inside, and most of them are extremely capable and very employable.

[sparkyjohn]

Big_M said:

Oooh - difficult one without knowing all the facts. The sibling could have been abused by a violent partner and lost their temper.

It's along those lines, but not as cut and dried. I'm sailing close to the wind here, sufficed to say that there were motivating factors that mitigated against the charge of murder.

To reiterate: Original charge=murder Actual prosecution=manslaughter.

>> Edited by sparkyjohn on Wednesday 12th November 13:55

[Davel]

Depending on your views of the person, consider a 2 or 3 month trial (no pun intended), if you feel that their application warants serious consideration.

Only he/she knows the real facts of their previous conviction and, if you are prepared to employ the person, then they could possibly just turn out to be the most loyal employee on your books!

You may have given them a second chance in life that few others would...

[Tturbo]

If nothing else, the person must be loyal to risk going to prison for someone - the loyalty may be repaid to a company willing to take a chance on him...?

[Graham]

Tturbo said:

If nothing else, the person must be loyal to risk going to prison for someone - the loyalty may be repaid to a company willing to take a chance on him...?

That was kind of my thinking...

its not like they went down for theft of fraud.

put yourself in their situation your brother/sister tops someone, what would your first instinct be....

I admit you've not got a choice i'd relish but i think i'd take the risk. after all it hardly the career criminal type and i suspect they dont relish the idea of going back...


Christ i must be in a good mood for a change.....

G

[singlecoil]

I would be inclined to consider such an application favourably. What I would look at particularly is the person's home circumstances. Do they have a 'stake in society'or are they a free agent? Would they take a chance on going back to prison? (I'm told some people actually like it there) If that side of things checks out then give them the job

[Big_M]

OK - consider this - how many people would give Tony Martin a job?

[Wacky Racer]

Big_M said:

OK - consider this - how many people would give Tony Martin a job?

Purdy and Sons....(Shotgun makers)....

[Pies]

How do you know the other applicant does not have a record as long as your arm.?

You only have thier word for it unless the job is a "special" case where they can be checked on

[sparkyjohn]

It can be checked

[Pies]

Unless its a special job legally it cant


Its a horrible dilema though and im certainly not in a position to offer advice