Criminal records and jobs in the UK, how do they affect your employability?

Question

I am working with a mum at the moment who is trying to look for work. I said that I would refer her to various schemes in the borough helping her to do her CV and what not. However, whilst we were discussing her skills and abilities and what sort of jobs she is looking for, she told me that about 10 years ago, she was convicted of theft. The circumstances were that her husband at the time was diagnosed with cancer and the prognosis was terminal, she was caring for him and their 3 young children at the time and she had a bit of a breakdown and stole someone's purse on the tube. She pleaded guilty and I think just had a fine or someting, she was referred to counselling for support.

However, 10 years on, and now that things have turned themselves around for her emotionally, how will this conviction affect her chances of employment. She asked me today and I couldnt say that I knew one way or the other. She might be applying for jobs that involve a CRB

Answer 1

Try here Puddy

http://www.lawontheweb.co.uk/rehabact.ht...

I received a fine of £50 plus £50 compensation for 'theft from a person' charge some 20 years ago. Many people at sometime in their life will do something that is against the law whether they admit it (some dont even know it) or not. The important thing is to recognise what you have done wrong, compensate the victim if possible, and move on to the rest of your life with the purposes of trying do the best for society in future, and the Rehabiltation of Offenders Act seems fair in its intent to give ex offenders the chance to 'move on'. I suppose one could counter this by arguing that in cases of violence or murder etc where the impact on the victim or their family is 'life long' the state should never allow a conviction for such crimes to be spent. But I guess thats a debate for those that make the laws and not really within the scope of your question.

Answer 2

Her conviction is classed as spent but it will show up on a CRB check, which will be requested if she wants to work with children. It is usually at the employers discretion, but in this case it wasn't a serious crime and didn't involve children or drugs so I think she will be okay.

Answer 3

Working with children is another matter entirely, she would have to submit to a full history check so any infringement of the law would come out in any case, as far as working with children is concerned, there is no such thing as a 'spent conviction'.

Answer 4

It depends on what type of crime you commited if the crime involved children than you wouldn't be able to get a job at a school or nursery etc. How ever some employers won't even employ you whatever you record

Answer 5

If it was 10 years ago does it not count as a "spent" conviction?

Oh I see, it was the circumstances to blame, not your mum being a thief.

Answer 6

I hope she doesn't find out  how much personal information you've posted on here relating to her

Answer 7

It depends on the individual employer, but since the crime was not one involving children, class A drugs or violence she has a good chance of being taken on. She would probably be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances of the conviction.

I work for a disabled children's charity and we have a list of crimes for which, if you had ever been convicted, we would never employ you. All others are open for discussion and consideration.

Re; the answer below:

working with children or those who are vulnerable a full CRB Disclosure is required. This means there is no exemption and nothing qualifies as spent.

Answer 8

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act most jobs don't require you to declare criminal convictions more than 10 years old and you can legitimately answer no to the "have you ever had any criminal convictions?" question. However certain professions are exempt from the act (under section 472 I think but I'm sure somebody will correct me) such as working with kids, health care (e.g. nursing) and some other public services.

Answer 9

it will come back on the crb check what the offence was but it is a good idea for her to be up front because after 10 years this type of offence and the sentence(the fine)she got is considered "spent" and she would not have to declare it at any interview she goes to UNLESS they will have to do the CRB check

Answer 10

it should be spent by now and not appear on her crb check

try ringing somebody at the probation service or the police station to double check

Answer 11

I thought your record was wiped clean after X amount of years... i thought it was 7... well, mine was anyway, (JOKE!) check that out... i think they wipe your record clean... otherwise maybe i am thinking about not being able to be prosecuted for a crime... but i swear they wipe your record clean after 7 years or so... it wont show up on your record anymore..

Answer 12

She will have to declare the conviction and it may affect her employability with children...  as there is a big trust issue when you are in a job that involves taking the responsibility of other peoples children.

A conviction for theft would throw up questions of whether your mother has integrity and can be trusted.

Employers will take into account of how long ago it was, etc...  but if she doesnt declare it then that will be worse as will show she was hiding it and is not trustworthy at all.