Job applications and criminal record

interstellaflyer

I am in the process of looking and applying for a new job, my current job is only 25 hours a week and it's a near 40 mile round trip. The big problem I have is that last year I was convicted on a section 5 public order offence, aparently I used the 'F' word in public (I kid you not) I am completely innocent of this however the Magistrates decided to believe the policeeven though the CCTV footage didn't match the police's version of events (can't say too much as there is an appeal going through). Anyway back on topic, all the applications I've had ask specificaly for me to declare any crimal record excluding spent convictions, as I consider myself completely innocent can I tell a little white lie here? are they able to check? none of the jobs require CRB checks.

Mark_h_4

The general advice here has always been the same from what I have seen. As long as you're totally honest about the situation then thats the best thing.

SarEl

You have a conviction, and until you win an appeal that is a fact. It is a lie, not a white lie, therefore - and lies, if found out, are grounds for dismissal. Tell the truth and provide an explanation with your application if necessary.

cr1mson

How could this possibly be a white lie? I can't even believe you could think lying about something of this magnitude is a white lie!

C

stephent82

cr1mson wrote: »

How could this possibly be a white lie? I can't even believe you could think lying about something of this magnitude is a white lie!

C

I don't think the way you wrote that was particularly helpful, however your point is valid.

As it stands, you broke the law so you need to declare it. You will be given an opportunity to explain the offence. Simply state 'Section 5 Public Order Offence - being appealed as evidence proves innocence' or something similar. Chances are, if offered an interview you will be quizzed on it.

interstellaflyer

cr1mson wrote: »

How could this possibly be a white lie? I can't even believe you could think lying about something of this magnitude is a white lie!

C

Not helpfull at all, if I was a dishonest person I wouldn't be asking the question, ok little white lie may have not been the right way to phrase it but, as it stands I am basically unemployable and I haven't even done anything wrong, even if I had used the 'f' word, should it really be classed as criminal and ruin my life for the next 12 years until it's spent, and there's the dillema, I know that if I tick the yes box, even with an explanation then my application will go straight in the bin.

heretolearn_2

I think you are assuming a lot there. Lots of people have convictions and they aren't all unemployed. It's not like murder or fraud or gbh you have to declare. I'd advise you to be honest. You can explain the circumstances. If you don't declare it and they find out, you will pretty much automatically be dismissed for gross misconduct. Get a gross misconduct on your record and you really will find it impossible to get another job. I'd view that as something far worse than a minor conviction.

interstellaflyer

heretolearn wrote: »

I think you are assuming a lot there. Lots of people have convictions and they aren't all unemployed. It's not like murder or fraud or gbh you have to declare. I'd advise you to be honest. You can explain the circumstances. If you don't declare it and they find out, you will pretty much automatically be dismissed for gross misconduct. Get a gross misconduct on your record and you really will find it impossible to get another job. I'd view that as something far worse than a minor conviction.

Thanks for that, this is the answer I was looking for, one of the applications is online for First Great Western. The problem is that ok, I'll tick the yes box but I then need to be very carefull how I word the explanation, I can't just go along the lines of being fitted up by the police, that would make me sound bitter and twisted.

tigeress289

It is easy to see how you feel but the recorded offence is "minor", just declare it and treat it like nothing. Which in the real world it is. It is pointless trying to work out why you even ended up with it, as you are up against a system that is still living in the dark ages. Treat it for what it is, minor and wrong but do not make it bigger than that. Carry on as normal, it really is "nothing".

maninthestreet

I'm surprised a minor breach of section 5 of the POA was prosecuted in a magistrates court - at the worst, a formal police caution would result, or just a FPN.

Emmzi

I can't believe the police would waste everyone's time over swearing and I believe there is more to this than you are telling us.