Criminal convictions- difficulty finding work

[NuggetBks]

Full disclosure- I have been convicted of a criminal offence (7 offences which all formed part of one trail). I was sentenced January 2019 and received a community order of 150 hours unpaid work and court costs. I’ve since completed all my hours and paid the fine.

It’s embarrassing, shameful and cost me my career in the NHS. Now I spent hours everyday scrolling through Indeed.com looking for work. Yet everything from Asda to Virgin media require you to undergo a DBS check. I made a mistake but I’ve paid the price and take my rehabilitation seriously.

Does anyone have any experience of job hunting with unspent convictions (I think my convictions are spent one year after the end of my order?) and is it possible at all to find work. Any suggestions of employers that are willing to accept an application without the DBS check etc. Feeling really desperate now and just need a job.

 

[triggerigger]

I can sympathise with you but look at from an employers pov.
It depends did you rifle petty cash or kill a few people? That makes a difference. Time heals. Good luck.

 

[NuggetBks]

I can sympathise with you but look at from an employers pov.
It depends did you rifle petty cash or kill a few people? That makes a difference. Time heals. Good luck.

Thanks mate and I totally understand the risk adverse position employers will take. It’s very competitive out here at the moment and someone with unspent convictions are not very attractive.

I guess I’m just flapping now as literally any job I apply for seems to require a DBS check which then filters me out. Despite passing interviews. I guess I’m looking for a steer on any potential employers who are happy to give someone like me (full of remorse and wanting to prove myself again) a second chance. Any one with experience of job hunting with a conviction etc.

My offence relates to GDPR

 

[Micawber]

My offence relates to GDPR

What's that then?

 

[urban_spaceman]

Unlock | independent charity for people with criminal records

Independent charity dealing with criminal records in England and Wales. Advice, advocacy, training, policy work & campaigning.

www.unlock.org.uk

Have a look here mate., if you haven’t done do already.
Some useful info and links.

 

[urban_spaceman]

Definitely worth checking whether your convictions are spent or not. Most employers will still only require a basic check, which doesn’t include spent convictions.

 

[Tappet]

Thanks mate and I totally understand the risk adverse position employers will take. It’s very competitive out here at the moment and someone with unspent convictions are not very attractive.

I guess I’m just flapping now as literally any job I apply for seems to require a DBS check which then filters me out. Despite passing interviews. I guess I’m looking for a steer on any potential employers who are happy to give someone like me (full of remorse and wanting to prove myself again) a second chance. Any one with experience of job hunting with a conviction etc.

My offence relates to GDPR

Looking at information you weren't meant to on the NHS system, at a guess.

I would continue to apply for jobs - but be open during the interview process. Just because you have committed an offence, it doesn't mean that you will be automatically disqualified - I work in financial services and have seen people hired with worse convictions / sentences to their name.

I know that Timpsons (the key-cutter / shoe repairer) hires ex-offenders (The Timpson Foundation - Timpson Group) as do Johnsons, the dry cleaner.

There is also the St Giles Trust (HOME) and this link on the Princes Trust may be of assistance: Support for ex-offenders | Who else can help | The Prince's Trust

Good luck.

EDIT: As @urban_spaceman says - check whether the Community Order is spent first, as you may not have to disclose it, and it might not show up on the DBS check.

 

[old_n_fat]

Thanks mate and I totally understand the risk adverse position employers will take. It’s very competitive out here at the moment and someone with unspent convictions are not very attractive.

I guess I’m just flapping now as literally any job I apply for seems to require a DBS check which then filters me out. Despite passing interviews. I guess I’m looking for a steer on any potential employers who are happy to give someone like me (full of remorse and wanting to prove myself again) a second chance. Any one with experience of job hunting with a conviction etc.

My offence relates to GDPR

Timpsons have a policy of helping ex offenders.

The Timpson Foundation - Timpson Group

www.timpson-group.co.uk

Edit. Beaten to it yet again.

 

[Ravers]

Timpsons make quite a big deal about employing ex offenders and giving people a second chance.

Worth a look.

The Timpson Foundation - Timpson Group

www.timpson-group.co.uk

Edit: beaten to it.

Twice.

 

[Micawber]

I think it may be a case of finding an industry in which convictions are regarded as less important rather than an individual emp!oyer in an industry that does.

As a rule of thumb, the more fresh air involved in the job the less people are going to worry about a fairly minor glitch in your past.

 

[NuggetBks]

Looking at information you weren't meant to on the NHS system, at a guess.

I would continue to apply for jobs - but be open during the interview process. Just because you have committed an offence, it doesn't mean that you will be automatically disqualified - I work in financial services and have seen people hired with worse convictions / sentences to their name.

I know that Timpsons (the key-cutter / shoe repairer) hires ex-offenders (The Timpson Foundation - Timpson Group) as do Johnsons, the dry cleaner.

There is also the St Giles Trust (HOME) and this link on the Princes Trust may be of assistance: Support for ex-offenders | Who else can help | The Prince's Trust

Good luck.

EDIT: As @urban_spaceman says - check whether the Community Order is spent first, as you may not have to disclose it, and it might not show up on the DBS check.

Thanks for the reply. Yep- you are right on the money. Unauthorised access to personal data. No getting away from it and I regret it.

From using the online conviction table unless I am reading it wrong my conviction is considered spent after 12 months from the end of the order? I was sentenced to a community order that involved community service. Which I’ve completed.

Thanks @urban_spaceman for the link. I’ve had a quick look through it and will definitely sit down and really read it. Seems to be full of practical, accurate, and reliable information & advice regarding the issues I’m facing.

 

[NuggetBks]

Thank you for all the replies and advice so far, I really appreciate it.

 

[Civvy Scum]

Timp..........

Never mind.

 

[Tappet]

From using the online conviction table unless I am reading it wrong my conviction is considered spent after 12 months from the end of the order? I was sentenced to a community order that involved community service. Which I’ve completed.

That is my reading of it - 1 year from your last day of the order / community service.

Citizen's Advice Bureau may be able to confirm.

There are options out there; I had the pleasure to meet this lady (Sabrina Boanu-Williams MBE | Impact | Barclays) who runs the Barclays LifeSkills programme which may be an avenue to look at if you have time.

 

[RTU'd]

Voluntary work might be for you then.
Most Town Halls will either have a list or even a voluntary section office.
Be honest and you will be welcomed as others in your situation have.

The Prince of Wales Trust is good as are some of the Ex Offender Charities.
The woodland trust & national trust always looking for people to do digging & planting trees.
However under GDPR offences you are highly unlikely to get anything which evolves using a computer.

What part of the country are you?

 

[fantassin]

They recruit 24/7....and are not afraid of convictions.

1,400 positions to fill in the FFL in 2021.

FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION RECRUITMENT

FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION RECRUITMENT

en.legion-recrute.com

 

[single malt]

Try your local authority we had a couple of lads who had convictions employed

 

[AsterixTG]

They recruit 24/7....and are not afraid of convictions.

1,400 positions to fill in the FFL in 2021.

FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION RECRUITMENT

FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION RECRUITMENT

en.legion-recrute.com

Ah yes, that slightly arduous French language course.

 

[NuggetBks]

That is my reading of it - 1 year from your last day of the order / community service.

Citizen's Advice Bureau may be able to confirm.

There are options out there; I had the pleasure to meet this lady (Sabrina Boanu-Williams MBE | Impact | Barclays) who runs the Barclays LifeSkills programme which may be an avenue to look at if you have time.

Fantastic and thanks once again. This thread as definitely thrown up some sound advice and avenues for me to look down.

 

[theoriginalphantom]

try a look here

Looking for friendly employers - Information site by charity Unlock | for people with criminal records

Introduction A criminal conviction doesn’t have to be the end of your career but many people with convictions feel anxious about disclosing details of their past fearing that they will be judged and discriminated against. For many people, knowing that an employer is ‘friendly’ towards people...

hub.unlock.org.uk

Virgin trains are keen on helping ex offenders apparently

Greggs Fresh Start programme