Any blemishes such as a criminal record can be devasting, and can annihilate any chances for finding secure employment. But you are certainly not completely restricted, and doomed to be unemployed forever. It will just be a lot more difficult. But it also depends on how severe and what type of crime has been committed. Certain types of crime will instantly stop you from working in many fields. But there are many people who have been highly successful after a criminal past, so it is certainly not the end of it all. Some employers acknowledge that people can/do make mistakes and if you have solid references or experience could be willing to give you a chance. I have employed people with a criminal past before (worth noting all roles involved physical work, and a majority male workforce) and I personally had no more issues, often I actually got better workers, perhaps they were more grateful or I just lucky. But I always looked for potential, experience and providing they had taken steps to improve their lifestyle and had left it behind I was happy to overlook it. But many businesses just won’t take the risk, and that is their choice and the law allows this. Until we find a 100% successful rehabilitation and correction method criminal records will need to kept, for the safety of all, it’s actually just yet another clear Indiciction that our ancient system just doesn’t work.