Shackled by their criminal past

[youallhumsup]

Shackled by their criminal past

December 31, 2012 - 1:51am

By: Syahirah Anwar

TNP PICTURE: Gary Goh

MOST of the job interviews he goes to end abruptly. It is not because he is unsuitable for the job.

Rather, it is because Paul (not his real name), 38, had been to prison. In 1994, Paul was jailed five years for intent to rape his then-girlfriend and for drug charges.

Since his release in 1999, when he fills up job applications, he usually admits that he had been jailed. That is when the awkward moment comes during job interviews.

Said Paul: “I don’t want to lie and (I) make it a point to tell my potential employer of my convictions.

“But the moment I tell them, they either just end the interview immediately or tell me they can’t hire me.”

Paul is just one of many ex-convicts here who say being honest can mean not being hired.

Read the full report in The New Paper on Monday (Dec 31).

 

[Hudson]

Moral of the story - Sometimes it does not pay to be too honest.

Singapore is a very unforgiving country.

 

[Envious]

It hurts when the hard truth is told.

 

[Bollocks]

Moral of the story - When everything else fails u are hopeless. Suicide is a good option.

 

[nato33]

Moral of the story - Sometimes it does not pay to be too honest.

Singapore is a very unforgiving country.

Who in right mind will employ a rapist ? The women in the company will freak out. At least if commit other less serious crimes, companies may consider but rapist are just not possible. Best he starts a small business where his past is not so big an issue.

My previous company took in a staff with a record - he "harbored illegal immigrants". He was an exemplary staff with a great attitude and no one minded his past as it was a one off incident and not considered dangerous. So I don't think its fair to label all Singapore companies as unforgiving.