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Can I get a job?
Even if you have been in trouble with the law in the past you can still successfully gain employment, however there are rules you should follow. A Connexions Personal Adviser or your Youth Offending Officer can help. If you are in trouble with the law our article on youth offending can help.
Do I have to tell an employer I have a criminal record?
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act helps people with minor convictions by allowing convictions to become ‘spent’ (forgotten) after a period of time. How long a conviction takes to become ‘spent’ depends on the length of the sentence.
- If your conviction is not ‘spent’ you must tell your employer
- If your conviction is ‘spent’ generally you do not have to tell your employer however there are some positions and areas of work where you must declare your convictions.
What professions/job roles require me to declare my conviction?
- Care work
- Work within the health service and pharmaceutical roles
- Work with children, young people or vulnerable adults
- Roles within the uniformed services or national security
- Roles within the legal and political services
For further advice contact the Nacro helpline listed below.
How do I know if my conviction is ‘spent’?
Some sentences become ‘spent’ after a fixed period while for others the rehabilitation period varies. For a quick guide download our summary of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Job Applications
Some employers may employ you if they feel your conviction is not relevant to the work you will be doing. When completing job applications you need to reassure employers that your criminal behaviour is in the past and you regret that period in your life. In an interview, if asked, demonstrate examples of how you have moved on. You could evidence examples of maturity or responsibility, such as explaining you have undertaken further training or that you are now in a stable relationship and you have your own place.
Help lines
- Nacro - 020 7840 6464
Council areas for the Youth Offending Team (YOT):
- Colchester/Tendring – 01206 573188
- Braintree/Chelmsford/Maldon – 01245 358092
- Epping Forest/Harlow/Uttlesford – 01279 427495
- Basildon/Brentwood/Rochford/Castle Point 01268 520612
Useful websites
Nacro
Crime reduction charity that give ex-offenders, disadvantaged people and deprived communities the help they need to build a better future.
2 Smart
Essex Police - youth, safety and community.
Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)
The CRB is an Executive Agency of the Home Office set-up to help organisations make safer recruitment decisions.
Youth Justice Board (YJB)
YJB work to prevent offending and re-offending.
Community Legal Advice
Provides free, confidential and independent legal advice.
Online tools
MyConnexions
Register to MyConnexions to develop your CV, write covering letters, watch a video on preparing for interviews and to search online vacancies.
Last updated: 09/02/11