Family and Friends Forum

Contrary to what many think but not all employers ask for criminal background. My partner got a job at a small firm in engineering and they never asked. He doesn't work with children and the police liason know of his role and have no concerns.

As stated above unlock is useful too. Large companies and chains can be more tricky tho. Once sentenced offenders must disclose when asked.

I would not say that all companies will check. My partner used to work in one company that would require background checks for each applicable project. He would refuse and they didn't ask why, he just wasn't out on the project.

Small firms are the likely best bet, or companies that take on offenders.

I'm not sure if it is legal but if my partner was asked and he disclosured Im not sure if they would have grounds to fire him. It is their choice whether or not to do background checks when hiring someone.

Not all companies do checks, there are many small high street shops and many companies on local industrial estates that either do not ask about unspent convictions or do not carry out a basic DBS check. Contrary to what PPU offers might say as long as the sentence was not more than 4yrs in prison a sex offence can become spent. Once spent it will not show on a basic DBS, so once spent only look for jobs that might only do a basic DBS check, as the offence would always show on a standard or enhanced DBS check. It's important to note that a standard and enhanced check can only be undertaken for jobs that are exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders act, and most jobs in the UK come under the act and only require a basic DBS if once was to be undertaken. There is no legal requirement for a company to do a basic DBS its up to them. as mentioned in other posts check out the Unlock website or give them a call they have loads of useful information.