One in six people in the UK have some form of criminal record

Many have only had minor interactions with the criminal justice system and have long since moved on with their lives. But their criminal record still impacts employment opportunities, volunteering roles, housing rights and even travel.

People shouldn’t have to pay for the same crime over and over again. We’re fighting for a fairer system, so that those who have already paid their dues can move on and contribute to society. We want a full review of this unfair and outdated system. Our three key asks for a fairer system are:

No automatic disclosure of cautions
Wipe the slate clean for childhood offences
Stop forcing people to reveal short prison sentences forever

Our current criminal records system is trapping people in the past. We need a more flexible approach which recognises when people who have committed crime no longer pose a risk to society and gives them a chance to start afresh. That’s why I’m supporting the #FairChecks movement to reform what is disclosed on criminal record checks

“Our current criminal records system is trapping people in the past. We need a more flexible approach which recognises when people who have committed crime no longer pose a risk to society and gives them a chance to start afresh. That’s why I’m supporting the #FairChecks movement to reform what is disclosed on criminal record checks”

David Lammy MP

Author of the Lammy Review into the treatment of, and outcomes for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals in the criminal justice system

Key facts

1 in 0

people in the UK have a criminal record

0 %

of employers would not hire someone with a criminal record

1 in 0

men of working age have a criminal record

Read about the real impact of criminal records

Peter's Story

Peter was convicted of Actual Bodily Harm 37 years ago, after acting in self-defence protecting a pregnant woman from assault.

Amir's Story

When he was 17, Amir was part of a group of young men who assaulted another man. Amir did not attack the man himself, but was prosecuted as part of the group and received a six-year prison sentence.

Maureen's Story

Maureen received her conviction at 21. Her younger sister was being verbally abused by a neighbour, and Maureen intervened and eventually shoved the man away.

Take action

To create a fairer criminal record disclosure system, we need the support of MPs. You can help by contacting your local MP to tell them why you feel the system is unfair and needs to change.

You can also sign our petitions to draw attention to the movement and talk to your friends and family to encourage them to take action too!

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