Previous Criminal Record and Employment

A few days back , I met a friend who hasnt had the easiest time of his life in his teens. Was in wrong company and had minor offences in this record. Was Cautioned by Police a few times as well when he was in Uni.

Fast foward a few years and he is in a settled job, working as a customer advisor in a retail group. Recently he wanted to change jobs and was offered a role in a financial institute , they checked his CRB and was refused the role immediately after due to the Police cautions he had recieved years ago .

Question is those of you who have been through any similar situation or know anyone who has been through this , how did you deal with the Minor offence record and its impact on employability?