Many of us may have done things we regret in the past and for some this may have resulted in a criminal conviction.
There is no reason why this should stop you from getting a good job or progressing with your career, but the key thing is that you need to be honest right from the start.
All convictions lie on police records for 10 years. They are not removed and will show on a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check done by employers.
Many convictions are considered ‘spent’ after a certain period of time, after which you do not have to tell an employer that you have a criminal record. You cannot be dismissed because you have a ‘spent’ conviction.
You also do not need to tell an employer about a criminal conviction if you are not asked, but if your conviction is not ‘spent’ and the application form does ask then you need to tell the truth. Not to tell the truth when specifically asked is an offence in itself.
Some jobs, such as teaching, the police or NHS, include the right to ask for information on any convictions.
If you have a criminal conviction and are unsure about what effect it will have or what to do about it, speak to your YOT worker or probation officer, who have lots of experience in this area.
Visit the Your Rights website for further information.