Comensura Bans the Box on job applications to access new talent

Candidates with criminal convictions can now apply for jobs at Comensura UK, safe in the knowledge that they will be assessed on their ability to do the job before any convictions are fairly considered.

In signing up to the national Ban the Box campaign from Business in the Community, we’ve joined more than 160 employers who are creating a fair chance for ex-offenders to compete for jobs and bringing down the £18 billion a year cost of reoffending.

By signing up to Ban the Box and considering whether, when and how to ask about criminal convictions, employers can play a vital role in keeping people out of prison while gaining access to a large and diverse talent pool.

Having a job can reduce a person’s chance of reoffending by up to 50%, and we’re proud to be leading the way in offering people a chance to turn their lives around while helping to keep communities safer.

Hoa Ngo, Comensura’s UK Managing Director, commented:

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to commit Comensura to Ban the Box. As a staffing solutions business, we have a duty to lead from the front when it comes to diversity, inclusivity, and fairness - and this commitment is the latest proof that we take that duty seriously.

“Banning the box is consistent with our values to treat others with respect and embrace change. By reconsidering if, when and how we ask candidates about criminal convictions, we’re taking one step further in our constant search for a smarter way to work. I hope our commitment inspires even more employers to step forward and Ban the Box.”

Kate Carr, Business in the Community’s Campaign Manager said:

“Two thirds of employers admit to discriminating against people with criminal records but the employers we work with recognise the skills and loyalty this diverse group of people can bring to their roles. Removing the barrier of a tick box can make all the difference to someone deciding to apply to your company or not and we need more forward-thinking employers to join the campaign to help stop the cycle of reoffending.”