[yholio]

> presumably be exposed to an action for negligence if something went wrong as a result of them employing someone with that record.

That's just the type of bullshit that makes pizza restaurants not wanting to have a person with a criminal record anywhere in the building. It's a form of vigilante punishment that continues to for the life of a felon, way past the point where their debt to society has been supposedly paid.

Employers should be banned to ask or process such information. "Is currently wanted or on parole" - legitimate question, "was ever convicted" - No, you have no right to know that, except very limited cases defined by law: working with children and the vulnerable, large sums of cash, working in the financial sector etc.

[denton-scratch]

If you want work in computer security, then you really shouldn't have a record of fraud. If you want to make pizzas, then you're not likely to defraud anyone but your employer; so it's her lookout. A blackmail conviction is a danger to other staff; it's the employer's responsibility to protect their employees against that risk.

This guy seems to be on probation, and under supervision of SOCA - he hasn't yet completed his sentence. Are we talking USA? He's a felon, and in most US states he will never again be allowed to vote in elections.

In this country you don't have to disclose prior convictions to anyone, beyond a certain date - I think something like ten years. I agree with that. In the same way, expired convictions can't be taken into account in sentencing deliberations. I agree with that too - I do think convictions should expire. Past acts shouldn't follow you around forever. But if you're on probation now for two serious crimes, I think it's crazy to say that a prospective employer shouldn't be allowed to ask, and to rely on your answer on pain of instant dismissal.

And FWIW I don't agree with the US practice of denying felons the vote.