Freedom of Information requests by the BBC today showed that 209 people with previous convictions had been granted a taxi license over the past three years in the West Midlands, prompting calls for a review of council processes.
But UNLOCK, the National Association of Reformed Offenders believes people should not rush to see this as bad news. ‘If people are being allowed the opportunity and choosing to work, it’s much better than them relying on benefits or crime,’ said Director of Projects Chris Bath.
The Government has identified stable employment to be a primary factor in reducing re-offending. Bobby Cummines, the charity’s Chief Executive and a former prisoner said, ‘If we are going to dig ourselves out of the economic mess we are in, we need encourage tax burdens to become tax-payers, not the other way around.’
Information supplied to the BBC showed that Wolverhampton Council had received ‘no complaints’ about a licensed taxi driver who had previously committed 30 offences before starting work as a taxi driver in the West Midlands in 2006.
The Government’s ‘Offender Index’ database hold records on over 8 million people in the UK with previous convictions but Chris Bath says a blanket discrimination policy does not make economic or social sense. ‘There will be cases where it may not appropriate for some people to work in some jobs for a period of time. Each case must be considered on its merits and decisions properly justified. People have already been judged and served their time.’
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January 11th, 2010 at 5:16 pmMike Harmon says:
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