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
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,        

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

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 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

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 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.

Your best bet is really to speak to your solicitor to make sure but in general, I feel the answer is: "It depends".

Under your sentencing you should've been made aware of any stipulations in regards to disclosures etc. In regards to the 'it depends' remark would be that it depends on what you currently do as a job and what your contract/employee handbook says. If you work for say a bank or insurance company I feel they will almost certainly want to be made aware of any kind of conviction relating to fraud/money. Failure to do so would almost certainly be considered gross misconduct and you'd likely find yourself on the receiving end of P45.

Even though a lot of companies will state any criminal conviction would be seen as gross misconduct they do also have a bit of discretion as to what they want to do. For example, in my previous employment which was in a private office, a member of staff was convicted three times over a 2 year period for assault and kept his job. I was convicted of a sexual offence once and was sacked within 24hrs of my name hitting the paper.

Honestly, I'd try and get on top of it if I was you: I'd speak to my boss in a one-on-one and let them know the situation, what your sentence was, any restrictions etc. Most companies would certainly offer up a mutual termination so it wouldn't effectively mean you're sacked (so looks better on your CV for future employment) however the honesty could potentially mean they keep you on, perhaps maybe just discipline you or something as opposed to them finding out a month later or whatever and then get upset at you for it.

It really boils down to how long you've been with the company as anything less than 2 years they can basically sack you for any reason, and the other situation is how close/comfortable you are at the company with your boss. Would they be understanding?