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Old convictions 'no bar to jobs' Old convictions 'no bar to jobs'
(20 minutes later)
Paramilitary convictions should not be a hinderence when it comes to getting a job in Northern Ireland, according to new guidelines.Paramilitary convictions should not be a hinderence when it comes to getting a job in Northern Ireland, according to new guidelines.
The government gave a commitment to work with businesses, trade unions and ex-prisoner groups during the St Andrews talks in October 2006.The government gave a commitment to work with businesses, trade unions and ex-prisoner groups during the St Andrews talks in October 2006.
The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister said the guidance would be reviewed in 18 months.The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister said the guidance would be reviewed in 18 months.
Almost 30,000 people have spent time in prison as a result of the Troubles.Almost 30,000 people have spent time in prison as a result of the Troubles.
DUP Assembly member Jim Wells said he was sickened by the move.
He accused the government of "slipping them out" ahead of the return of devolution on Tuesday.
"Giving a clean record as far as employment is concerned to people who have committed dastardly deeds... it's an Alice in Wonderland situation and I'm totally against it," he said.
The guidance has been drawn up as a voluntary measure and is theproduct of extensive work between government departments, representatives of the Confederation of British Industry in Northern Ireland, the Irish Congress of Trades Unions and ex-prisoner groups.