TUPE or not TUPE

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da_rule

I imagine each company will have its own views and policies. A lot of it will come down to what the comment was, something that is discriminatory (racist/sexist etc) will probably be harder to accept than someone who insulted a client because of something the client did (most people will have moaned about a client or insulted them behind closed doors). Also they'll probably look at the context of it and whether they feel that it was a mistake/you wouldn't do it again.

If you said it to the client (or the client became aware of it) then any new company also has to weigh up the benefits you may bring to them (experience/skills etc) against the potential risks (damage to a relationship with a client/bad publicity etc).

Asking for 10 years work experience seems legitimate. However, the question becomes how far back do they go for references? The last 2 jobs? The last 3? Or is it based on time, so every employer within the last 3 years etc.

If there is a chance that a reference will be requested and that reference will contain details of what was said etc then be completely honest and upfront. What you don't want to happen is to be caught out for being dishonest in your application/interview as that is a sure fire way to have a job offer withdrawn or to be dismissed.

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Wayne_O_Mac

Original post, recovered:

I was fired from my job several (3) years ago for making very inappropriate comments about a client. I realise I made a mistake, and completely regret my actions.

Three years have now passed. That is a LOT of time. Many of the jobs I am applying to want work history and references as far back as ten years.

I don't have any colleagues from my old job that can give character references (against company policy), so if they want a company reference it will always mention that I was fired.

I completely accept that I was wrong. I will never repeat my actions. I guarantee it.

However, it feels very disproportionate. The impact I had on the client is completely minimal compared to the impact it has had on my life - struggling to find work etc.

Does time heal? Surely companies must realise that people deserve a second chance and make mistakes. It was the only mistake I made in nearly a decade, and I regret it, yet it feels very disproportionate and as though the punishment is far worse than the offence.

Do I really have to wait 10+ years to find a job that doesnt require 10 years of work history?

Society really isn't great when people/companies can't forgive minor indiscretions (yes, in the grand scheme of things MINOR....I made inappropriate comments, ONCE, and hardly deserves making me suffer for years in terms of finding a new job).

How should I play things? Should I downplay why I was sacked and be upfront?

What are your thoughts in general? Are companies too unforgiving?