The public services provider has launched a ‘Guaranteed Interview Scheme’ under which any applicant who declares that they have a criminal conviction will be given a job interview.

In a statement released this morning, the firm added applicants must also meet the minimum criteria for the job and “pass our screening and vetting criteria needed to conduct the role”.

Commenting on the scheme launch, Paul Gaskin, Serco’s HR director, UK and Europe, said: “Serco runs six prisons in the UK and we see first-hand the number of people who reoffend after leaving prison and return to jail. We are determined to help improve the situation and reduce the numbers of people who re-offend on leaving prison where we can by helping ex-offenders to find work.”

The firm is also signed up to the nationally recognised Ban the Box initiative, which is aimed at removing the check box that asks if applicants have a criminal record from hiring applications.

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