Job Searching with A History of Drugs and Crime

Abstract

This article explores the experiences and aspirations of offenders with histories of substance misuse in job searching. The analysis is based upon qualitative data from a localised study of 27 men and two women who were undertaking community-based court orders in Scotland. Their perspectives on job searching, job-readiness and aspirations for sustained employment including the role of self-employment are presented. The article concludes that with adequate support, greater tolerance and flexibility by employers and job searchers could contribute to reducing the vicious cycle of suspicion and dishonesty. Policy action needs to be sustained and possibly augmented to include enterprise training.

“Change” Frames and the Mobilization of Social Capital for Formerly Incarcerated Job Seekers

“…There is ample reason to suspect, however, that how potential job contacts perceive the justice-involved might as easily create barriers to job-search related social capital activation and mobilization. A growing body of research has already established that most employers are disinclined to hire ex-offenders both because of fears of being found liable for negligent hiring if “marked” employees act criminally on the job, and because of a general distrust of a pool of applicants who have essentially been certified untrustworthy by the penal system (Albright and Denq, 1996; Decker et al, 2015; Eley 2007; Holzer 1996; Holzer et al, 2007; Lukies et al, 2011; Pager 2003, 2007; Pager and Quillian, 2005). 1 Referrals from trusted individuals, like current employees, go far in convincing employers to hire former prisoners (see also Fahey et al, 2006), but it is unclear under what circumstances current employees would act in this capacity for job seekers tainted by a criminal record.…”

No one written off? Welfare, work and problem drug use

“…While for the majority of drug users their use does not impact greatly upon paid work this may not be the case for problem drug users. Research (for instance, Cebulla, Heaver, Smith, & Sutton, 2004;Eley, 2007) with such drug users suggests at least five relationships between problem drug use and paid work. First, the pressures of paid employment can in some cases lead to drug use (Eley, 2007).…”

“…Research (for instance, Cebulla, Heaver, Smith, & Sutton, 2004;Eley, 2007) with such drug users suggests at least five relationships between problem drug use and paid work. First, the pressures of paid employment can in some cases lead to drug use (Eley, 2007). Second, and in contradistinction to the first point, paid work is often seen by problem drug users, parts of the therapeutic community and now the state as part of the rehabilitation process and, as a consequence, an important element in the reintegration of such drug users into 'normal' society.…”

“…Second, and in contradistinction to the first point, paid work is often seen by problem drug users, parts of the therapeutic community and now the state as part of the rehabilitation process and, as a consequence, an important element in the reintegration of such drug users into 'normal' society. Third, problem drug use can lead to the loss of paid work through effects on health and/or performance at work (Eley, 2007;Klee, McLean, & Yavorsky, 2002). Fourth, reaction among employers to current and former drug users can act as a barrier to such people securing paid work.…”

Formerly imprisoned polydrug users’ narratives about unemployment

“…Hirschi, 2002;Visher, Debus-Sherrill, & Yahner, 2011). For example, employment can lead to an increased feeling of responsibility, personal worth, independence, dignity and of having a stake in society (Eley, 2007). Laub and Sampson (2003) argue that job stability is strongly related to resisting involvement in crime in at least four ways in particular.…”