HUMZA Yousaf has confirmed that shorter disclosure periods for past criminal convictions will come into effect this year.
The rule change was supported by MSPs as part of the Management of Offenders (Scotland) Act which was passed in Holyrood last year.
The reforms will reduce the length of time most job applicants need to declare criminal convictions and fines and will officially come into effect from November 30.
A fine will be considered “spent”, and therefore will not need to be declared, after one year rather than the current period of five years.
For those under 18 when convicted, the disclosure period for a six-month prison sentence will be reduced from three and a half years to 18 months.
Yousaf said: “Parliament agreed that current disclosure periods are too long.
“Employment and the skills, opportunities and hope that it brings, can support routes out of offending, thereby contributing to safer communities.
READ MORE: Humza Yousaf vows to ‘reflect’ on controversial Hate Crime Bill
“These important reforms balance the requirement for safeguards to understand a person’s recent offending behaviour with the need to allow people to move on with their lives – to seek gainful employment, support their families and contribute positively to their communities.
“I am grateful for the work of Disclosure Scotland in preparing for these changes, which can have a positive impact on our economy as well as society.”
He continued: “Employers, insurers and others who routinely require information on criminal convictions should be aware of the changes so their processes continue to comply with the law.
“Even where potential employees need to disclose an unspent conviction, I hope employers can, where appropriate, see that as just one aspect of the person, alongside the skills and experience they bring.
“Several high profile employers already take this approach and regularly pay testament to doing so.”
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