Should we get rid of criminal records?

No. Simply no.

Well your conviction becomes 'spent' after a period, I don't think it's ridiculous for employers to know if someone has committed a crime relatively recently.

Yes, but I think everything still shows up if you get an advanced check - why should you still have to suffer if you committed a petty crime 20 years ago etc. Obviously rape, murder etc are different.

Why not?

a leopard doesnt change his spots

I think the criminal record system is damaging and wrong. Surely if someone has committed a crime, been convicted and then served a sentence for it then that is their punishment. Not having something following them everywhere they go for the rest of their lives, preventing them from going to certain places (USA and Australia notably I think), having certain jobs, or most jobs (since if an ex-criminal is up against someone with a clean record for a job they're going to get disregarded).
Certain things, such as repeat sex offenders, or any criminals who just keep on offending, or anything such as any abuse against children, I think that apart from the sex offenders register then they should have something following them to warn people of their danger, but isn't it unfair on those who want to turn their life around but are prevented from doing so? Also making it more likely to reoffend since they are pushed into it.
Anyway, what do people think of this idea, is there anything massive that I've totally missed?

Firstly im not sure many countries would like the idea that a 'criminal' from foreign soil could enter their borders. Its near impossible to tell the criminal has TRULEY changed their ways. Unfortunately they committed a crime and they should be punished.

(If anything i think the idea of prisons should be changed. Essentially they are receiving free meals and accommodation, paid by the population)

I agree with you! Only for certain offences where the crime is related to the situation - sex offences for those working around children, theft and shops, etc. - should the records be open to civilians.

And for those saying no: do you agree with our justice system as it is - rehabilitative as opposed to punitive? Because, if sentencing for most crimes (unless they're major/dangerous) is focused on rehabilitation (or should be IMO, as it offers a better way to reduce recidivism and improve contribution to society post-prison), then keeping records and punishing those who have offended years after their crime kinda defeats the aim of the system!

I don't know if the records are currently open to civilians as in the general public - but I think stuff like when you have to "*tick this box if you have any kind of criminal record not including driving offences*" on a job app form, or a form for anything, and you are simply refused a job because there are people looking for work without a record - like you say, completely defeats the point of rehabilitation as there's nowhere they can go.
Personally I think the main point of prison terms has to be punitive, but rehabilitation has to be kinda intermingled with that.