HC Deb 06 July 2000 vol 353 cc293-5W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department with respect to the Criminal Conviction Certificates to be issued by the Criminal Records Bureau what plans he has(a) to issue advice to employers requesting access to such certificates of job applicants and (b) to extend the statutory code of practice which covers other certificates to the Criminal Conviction Certificate; what research he has undertaken on the impact of the certificate on recidivism; for what activities, other than employment and visa applications, the Criminal Conviction Certificate will be used; and if he will make a statement. [129187]

Mrs. Beckett

The information requested could be provided only for Sessions 1998–99 and 1999–2000 (to 30 June) and is included in the following table1. Information for session 1997–98 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Charles Clarke

Guidance to employers and others on the use of Criminal Convictions Certificates (CCCs) is in course of preparation. We shall consult widely, including with representatives of employers' organisations, before issuing the guidance. We have not undertaken specific research on the impact of the certificate on recidivism. But the guidance will encourage employers to consider the relevance of information contained in certificates to the particular position being applied for. We shall be working closely with employers' organisations and other interests to ensure that employers are discouraged from rejecting applicants solely on the basis of their criminal records without careful consideration of all the relevant factors.

The Code of Practice prescribed by section 122 of the Police Act 1997 applies to the use of information provided to registered persons. As the registration arrangements apply only to the higher levels of certificate, the code will not apply to CCCs. We shall be using the code to ensure that Registered Bodies fully understand their obligations under the legislation, and to promote good practice in the handling, interpreting and disposal of information received from the Criminal Records Bureau in connection with Criminal Record Certificates and Enhanced Criminal Record Certificates. To the extent that similar guidance is needed in relation to CCCs, we shall include it in the guidance we shall be issuing to applicants, employers and other interested parties.

While the main reason for introducing CCCs is to improve the quality of employment decisions, anyone may apply for a certificate in relation to their own records, and use it as they wish.