Newspaper lied about me?

bob_dob

Hi,
Perhaps this isn't the correct forum but id like any advice on if there are any forums that i could use?
Basically, in 2009 a national newspaper used a football team photo of the team i played for and stated that i had a criminal past which is 100% rubbish.

A potential employer has just told me he will not employ me because of the article in the newspaper.

Can i sue the paper over this?

System

bob_dob wrote: »

Hi,
Perhaps this isn't the correct forum but id like any advice on if there are any forums that i could use?
Basically, in 2009 a national newspaper used a football team photo of the team i played for and stated that i had a criminal past which is 100% rubbish.

A potential employer has just told me he will not employ me because of the article in the newspaper.

Can i sue the paper over this?

I would sue the employer!

jamespir

you could sue i would

arcon5

Why didn't you have it corrected 3 years ago?

Can you (until it's corrected/removed) obtain your own CRB check to present to potential employers and/or a letter from the editors confirming this is in error in case it arises again?

You may have a case of libel against them and sue for loss of earnings, however, you would likely need to prove you didn't get the job as a direct result of the newspapers article. These types of cases won't be cheap and can be risky. So maybe write to them and see what they say initially.

arcon5

goater78 wrote: »

I would sue the employer!

What's the employer done?

Without throwing in the 'discrimination' card because that would be absurd

OneYorkshireLass

bob_dob wrote: »

Hi,
Perhaps this isn't the correct forum but id like any advice on if there are any forums that i could use?
Basically, in 2009 a national newspaper used a football team photo of the team i played for and stated that i had a criminal past which is 100% rubbish.

A potential employer has just told me he will not employ me because of the article in the newspaper.

Can i sue the paper over this?

Briefly, what was the content of the original article?

System

arcon5 wrote: »

What's the employer done?

Without throwing in the 'discrimination' card because that would be absurd

dunno but there's got to be something! Are you allowed to turn someone down for a job for this reason? It seems a bit strange

arcon5

goater78 wrote: »

dunno but there's got to be something! Are you allowed to turn someone down for a job for this reason? It seems a bit strange

Because they have a criminal record (to the best of their knowledge)? This is common in many industries.. caring and meter reading as an example.

It's no different imo than turning somebody down because of their (lack of) qualifications or because they don't drive or can't walk and applying to be a postie.

Op should by all means pursue the paper.

Saying that, I read of some barmy ET claims that have been successful in the past, so betting a good lawyer could find something.

bob_dob

arcon5 wrote: »

Why didn't you have it corrected 3 years ago?

I have only just been able to get a copy of the article.

arcon5 wrote: »

Can you (until it's corrected/removed) obtain your own CRB check to present to potential employers and/or a letter from the editors confirming this is in error in case it arises again?

You may have a case of libel against them and sue for loss of earnings, however, you would likely need to prove you didn't get the job as a direct result of the newspapers article. These types of cases won't be cheap and can be risky. So maybe write to them and see what they say initially.

Yes i could get my own CRB check but if im honest, the job didn't mean anything to me, it's the newspaper i am angry at.

WhiteHorse

Presumably the potential employer now has some paperwork stating that you have been refused employment because of your "criminal past".

Hit him with a SAR (Subject Access Request) under the Data Protection Act. When he provides copies of the document(s), write pointing out that the information is inaccurate and must be corrected.

If he won't co-operate, tell him to prove the allegation or he will be reported to ICO with a view to obtaining his prosecution.

If he says that he has no such paperwork, point out that verbally repeating the allegation will amount to the tort of defamation.

bob_dob

OneYorkshireLass wrote: »

Briefly, what was the content of the original article?

The article was showing how a football team full of (minor) criminals are trying to change their ways. A lot of the team did have records but i didn't and haven't.
It said i had convictions for underage drinking and driving offences.