Can you legally refuse to hire a criminal?

Employers that refuse to hire someone on the basis of their past criminal convictions could be violating international obligations, legal experts say.

While discriminating against a job applicant because they have a criminal history is not unlawful under federal anti-discrimination law, McDonald Murholme lawyer Trent Hancock says this form of discrimination is prohibited by the International Labour Organisation Convention 111.

The Convention is a schedule to the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986, giving the AHRC the power to investigate any discrimination complaints and alleged breaches, and prepare reports for the Attorney-General which must be tabled in Parliament. Employers can then be ordered to take remedial action as a result of the recommendations of this report, said Hancock.

Continue reading to learn Hancock's top tips for HR professionals when dealing with criminal investigations and past convictions in the workplace.

Queens Award Ceremony

Great excitement at the Verifile offices yesterday as we were presented with our Queen’s Award Grant of Appointment and crystal bowl by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Bedfordshire

candidates bearing false degrees

Recruiters warned not to take degrees at face value in light of closures of 75 websites offering fake degrees

Verifile wins prestigious Queen’s Award

Today, I am thrilled to announce that Verifile has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of International Trade. Our award recognises the outstanding growth in our overseas sales over the past six years.

Background Screening and CV Verification

Screening the CVs of potential employees can be a time consuming and expensive process which has just become a lot quicker, easier and cost effective!