Bankruptcy and work

girlinabox

Hi all,

Apologies if this is something that has been addressed before but I'm just after a bit of advice.

I went bankrupt in 2005, I was discharged 6 months later. I have had zero issues with debt since then and my credit file looks OK (I think).

I have recently applied for a job with the police force, not as an officer but as staff in an admin type of function, however the post requires enhanced vetting including financial checks. I was honest on my application and confirmed I had been subject to bankruptcy but more than 3 years ago, as the question asked, and I have just received an email with the following :

It has come to my attention that you have disclosed information around your financial history. I must inform you that should you be successful at interview and proceed to pre-employment checks, the final vetting decision will be dependent upon a full enquiry and evidence of a satisfactory settlement of your debts.

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My question is, is bankruptcy seen as satisfactory settlement of debts? Apologies if its a stupid question.

Hopefully you guys can assist. Thanks in advance.

maxmycardagain

Tell em, let them decide or just dont worry or bother, nowt you can do about it and life is too short

TheGardener

girlinabox wrote: »

...My question is, is bankruptcy seen as satisfactory settlement of debts? Apologies if its a stupid question.

Hopefully you guys can assist. Thanks in advance.

No such thing as a stupid question here

I would say yes, it does. I think it would also be pertinent that you have managed your finances well since then. However, it will be entirely up to the people dealing with the recruitment and the local forces own rules.
With the Police, I understand the financial check is about ensuring there are no 'vulnerabilities' that might be exploited by criminals - blackmail and the like rather than any perceived unsuitability for the role.
I would strongly recommend you promptly carry out a 'credit file clean-up' check to make sure all is in order on your files with the main credit agencies. There is a link at the top of this forum to explain how it is done.

girlinabox

Thank you The Gardner, that's a very helpful reply. I did think it was because of vulnerabilities and such. It all started with a store card when I was 18 and a low earner - and rather silly! I'll never get into debt again after that, I have learnt my lesson 😊

I have had a look at my credit file recently, it doesn't show anything as defaulted so all looks good to me. Thanks again!

TheGardener

...I should also have mentioned, they will also be checking for any hint of 'fraud' in an applicants financial past - CIFAS markers are the kiss of death on anyone's financial history as far as banks and work that requires a credit check goes. However, it sounds like this is not relevant to you.