Thousands in England and Wales locked out of jobs because of mistakes in youth, campaigners say

Any offence resulting in a prison sentence, even if it is suspended or committed as a child, will be disclosed for life in all but most basic checks. Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian

Thousands of people risk being unfairly locked out of jobs because of mistakes in their youth, campaigners have said, as new data showed childhood offences were disclosed in more than 11,000 criminal records checks last year.

Politicians and justice campaigners are calling for a reform to the criminal records check system. They say the widespread release of minor historical offences does not protect the public and leaves people with no opportunity for a clean slate.