Negative stigma and a lack of proper training opportunities are blocking many people with criminal records from earning a second chance at life within the construction industry, a Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) report has revealed.

The report, Building Opportunity: Employing People with Criminal Convictions in Construction, shows individuals with a criminal record often face significant barriers to gaining employment within the industry including perceived risk to the business by employers and fears about business reputation. However, the report also shows that many construction businesses are taking proactive steps to make recruitment more accessible for people with criminal convictions.

It urges the Government to break down barriers and provide more accessible training opportunities to improve individual’s employability and ease the skills shortage in the construction industry.  

Statistics show nearly 70 per cent of people leaving prison* are still without work six months after their release. CIOB says breaking down barriers could lower unemployment amongst people with criminal convictions and increase construction companies' social value impact. 

A copy of the full report can be accessed below.

*Please note following a request from the New Futures Network (NFN), this statistic has been changed from nearly 75 per cent to nearly 70 per cent.