theForum

what to do


https://forum.unlock.org.uk/Topic31986.aspx

By dedalus - 15 Dec 21 3:05 PM

Having received a criminal conviction I am now thinking if it is worth telling my employer. I have a gut feeling I will be sacked so I may as well take the chance and not tell them even if I am sacked further down the line. But my worry is if they found out later could I be sent to court for failing to disclose?

the conviction I have received is for a minor fraud offence.

It would be interesting to know what other people's experiences where with their existing employers

Thanks
By JASB - 31 Dec 21 1:58 PM

dedalus - 30 Dec 21 7:04 PM
JASB - 30 Dec 21 2:26 PM
dedalus - 30 Dec 21 8:23 AM
JASB - 29 Dec 21 4:50 PM
dedalus - 28 Dec 21 6:43 PM
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dedalus - 24 Dec 21 12:34 AM
JASB - 22 Dec 21 3:58 PM
dedalus - 15 Dec 21 3:56 PM
I work for a semi public sector organisation so I am not too hopeful.
I have worked many years for this employer.
My charge relates to the fraudulent used of a blue badge.

My main worry is that not disclosing something to them could mean I get prosecuted again for fraud for not disclosing.
I was under the impression that the fraud act did cover non disclosure as to make a a gain (the gain here would be not being sacked...).

In relation to speaking to my immediate manager, I would actually prefer to approach HR directly if I were to tell my employer..

My employer's handbook has a clause stating we should inform them of convictions and they will then ascertain suitability for the role.

Hi
My employer's handbook has a clause stating we should inform them of convictions and they will then ascertain suitability for the role.


That one line is crucial to your question and the right path to take.
Remember if you don't tell them, then they find out, they will have a distrust of anything you say. Chances are they will dismiss you for not adhering to their rules. This may be made vocally to any future employer that contacts them for a character ref.

The other option is to face the challenge and tell them.  Ensure you are open and explain the reasons behind you committing the offence, NOT THE EXCUSSES!

At least this way they will see you are being upfront and honest, but also you have taken responsibility for the offence and gained an understanding of the reasons it happened. Remember they need to consider your suitability for the role. You never know they move you to a less sensitive role or give a reference that states you have accepted and learned from your mistake but it is the type of employment that will not allow you to continue.

Be brave as today is short and you have many tomorrows.

I have a feeling I would be dismissed anyway if I told them.
If the case does not make the press they would not find out.
The key is understanding if the case will be in the press. 

Hi
Please consider that "if" you are given a punishment it may involve some form of "justice System" monitoring i.e. Probation and still not make the press. In your initial interview with them they will ask about your "employment" and its duties. You may find that they will push you to inform them or they will.
With the greatest of respect, this decision is probably one that may demonstrate to "society", if you have changed your "way of life". I'm sure you understand my meaning.
I wished I had remembered a piece of advice given to me when I was younger before my offence:
Usually the hardest choice to make when making a decision is generally the best one for yourself
 

I don't see the point in actively helping them to give me the sack.

Hi
I can understand the reason for your comment but though difficult please look at the bigger picture.

We all have to attempt to view ourselves from "others perspective". Not only to try understand the "impact" our disclosures have on us, but more importantly learn how we can "manage" that interaction in a way that is more acceptable to "society". Think of, how you have reacted in the past when reading/viewing about SO in newspapers / TV. Did you believe then that those ex-offenders could change?
It is only when WE view and react to the position of others do we see our true selves 


We can mention the perception of honesty: With a conviction "society" deems us all to be liars of the meanest type. We have to believe that if you are honest about your offence then you may gain some compassion by demonstrating your acknowledgement of it. Remember by this acknowledgement you have started along the road of rehabilitation and so improvement of yourself and will gain support.

Put to one side the despondent feeling towards "society" you may have and believe in yourself, and use that "belief" to strengthen your resolve and so determination to overcome any and all challengers you will face.

Remember support is always here,
it is what you choose to listen to and what you choose to use is your responsibility alone.
       

I can make up to society by doing other things than telling my employer who will no doubt take a knee jerk reaction and sack me for something which is not related to work and which has not put other people at risk. 
My debt to society will be repaid by serving my sentence and doing charity work.

Hi

Remember you will probably have to disclose when volunteering for charity work. 

All I can ask you to consider is that in this age of "image protection" and "social media likes" influencing so much of societies behaviour, is for you to stand back and think about the positives aspects for your future and not the negatives you at present find enveloping and so distracting you. Remember you will be feeling "guilt" for your offence but also scared/ concerned for the "shame" that will come over you if / when the information is made public; information that you have no control over the accuracy of.

I wish you luck and can only repeat:
it is what you choose to listen to and what you choose to use is your responsibility alone.


Did your case make the press?
How did your family react? 

Hi, press, sky news channel 4 you name it.
Easiest to say those that believed in me and my version of events, understand what was happening in my life then, have continued to support me. Some in a private discrete manner; this is due to the actions of social services and Justice system.
Some because of the "society image" I have mention previously, have distanced /disowned me. In reality I do not worry about those but use their reactions to allow me the experience to judge "who I should be a friend, and so disclose to, and those who I will only be an acquaintance to".

A quote I often use to help people understand about the trauma accused and ex-offenders go through when trying to explain the accusations / offence in a manner that does not sound like an excuse for it is:
There is no such thing as truth as that is just the perspective of the individual describing the event.


The authorities and accuser's words have an agenda, the accused has an agenda, society has an agenda, so who is speaking the truth?