What help is out there?

Curtis H

Hi Julie

It greatly depends on what the conviction related to and how long ago it was. The legislation that covers the disclosure of criminal offences is the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA) 7 depending on what this person is looking to do may been if enough 'water has flowed under the bridge' to apply without actually declaring the criminal record (but as I say it greatly depends on the nature of the record and for what eventual position they may apply for).

After a certain period of time all convictions (except those involving prison sentences of over 30 months) are deemed to have been "spent". The length of time that must elapse before the conviction is deemed "spent" depends upon the nature of the sentence imposed and can be extended by subsequent convictions. Once convictions are "spent" the person is considered "rehabilitated".

Applicants with a criminal record who are asked on an application form or at an interview whether they have any previous convictions can answer 'no' if the convictions are spent and the job applied for is not excepted from the Act.

The Act makes it an offence for anyone with access to criminal records to disclose spent convictions unless authorised to do so. The Act makes it a more serious offence to obtain such information by means of fraud, dishonesty or bribe. The Data Protection Act 1984, as amended by the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, also makes it an offence to procure or supply confidential computer data; as with everything there are exceptions and broadly speaking they are;

Appointment to any post providing accommodation, care, leisure and recreational facilities, schooling, social services, supervision or training to people aged under 18. Such posts include teachers, school caretakers, youth and social workers, child minders.

Employment involving providing social services to elderly people, mentally or physically disabled people, alcohol or drug misusers or the chronically sick.

Appointment to any office or employment involving the administration of justice, including police officers, probation officers, traffic wardens.

Admission to certain professions which have legal protection (including lawyers, doctors, dentists, nurses, chemists, and accountants).

Appointment to jobs where national security may be at risk (for example, certain posts in the civil service, defence contractors).

If you choose to disclose your criminal history to an employment agency, you should be aware that they may owe a duty of care to prospective employers not to refer you for employment should your prior convictions be relevant to the proposed employment. An employment agency may also owe a duty of care to only refer you to a prospective employer after informing them, with your consent, of your criminal history. Positions of trust, or excepted professions, are set out in the ROA Exceptions Order.

All the best and I admire your words they were really refreshing, honest and forthright.

Curtis

purplegirl

I'd say maybe do voluntary work in the area they are interested in, so you build experience. Go to the CAB if there are any other issues, like housing or money.

If you do voluntary work, it will build your record of trustworthiness. Also, just apply for regular jobs and be upfront about it. They may admire your honesty.

Apparantly the first time you work after having a record is the hardest. So once you get your foot in the door and a reference it gets easier.

also check this out http://www.nacro.org.uk/services/index.htm

xx
http://www.nacro.org.uk/

Popi M

It would depend - are there companies in your area that hire people with criminal records or do they all automatically reject you? Perhaps you should contact a local employment office and ask if they have a list of companies that work with people with your type of background.

Good luck.

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