Government plans to stop lifelong criminal record disclosure for youth offenders

The Guardian reported that a government proposal would stop children convicted of serious crimes from having to disclose their criminal records to prospective employers. Under the plan, anyone in England and Wales who was convicted of robbery, dealing drugs to other children or violent disorder before turning 18 would no longer be required to share those records for the rest of their lives. Ministers say the change is intended to reduce the number of young people in custody and to boost youth employment, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The proposal is part of a broader effort to reform the youth justice system and make it easier for former offenders to find work after serving their sentences. If enacted, the policy would apply across England and Wales and would mark a shift away from lifelong penalties for crimes committed as a minor.

Why it matters

The reform could improve job prospects for young ex‑offenders and help lower youth incarceration rates.

Key details

Location

United Kingdom · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

12 Nov 2026, 19:14 IST

Key names

England, Wales

Section

Politics

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The Guardian‘A second chance’: children guilty of serious offences will no longer have to declare criminal records 12 Nov, 19:14

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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