Hi. I had two vacancies on my shift at work (warehousing/forklift work) I needed to fill and was sent a number of CV's and application forms by our HR. I noticed that on two of these applications forms, the box appeared to be ticked about unspent convictions. Not to worry, as someone with unspent convictions myself, I would have no concerns to hiring someone with convictions.

I rattled down the 20 or so applications to just 4 or 5 and included both individuals who had ticked the box. I undertook the interviews with one of my senior managers. The interviews passed without problem and it came down to reviewing the best candidates at the end of the day. I was impressed by all 5, however I favoured the 2 guys with convictions (simply because they seemed to want it more). My senior manager was completely against hiring them as they were and I quote 'former cons'. At this point I stopped him and asked his reasons behind that comment. He simply said that did we, as a business, want the hassle of employing people with convictions.

I sat down with him there and then and told him about my criminal background, the fact I served time 5 years ago. I had never told anyone else in the business other than our HR Manager. He seemed shocked and said 'You are one of our up and coming managers', how is that possible? I told him that I had been rejected by many employers, yet the business I work for now gave me that first opportunity to get back into work. I took that opportunity and made it into a career I am highly passionate about.

I asked him who he thought the best two candidates would be for the roles, he replied the two with convictions. I duly hired both individuals and can say it was the best decision I ever made. They fitted into the team well, are hardworking, punctual and seem to be getting their lives back on track, just like I did with mine. My senior manager has now apologised for his judgement being clouded and I am currently working with our HR department to employ more ex-offenders into our workforce.