Hi 
As others have mentioned, disclosure may or not be required. Whatever the situation I would suggest not to "make up" a story so try to be truthful but with limitations.
My reasoning is that a lie can grow and grow therefore errors in your "story" may appear.
Basically I suggest that you create a "story" as near to the truth as possible but use "poetic licence"; just like politicians.
For instance, if you write in your CV about traveling change the dates of when you did to the "period gap". Or if you are interested in DIY say you took a break to help someone or >>>>
You just need to ensure it is simple, rememberable and believable.
Re contracting yes you can but there are risks and gains especially with Government taxation changes being proposed. If you have the skills and solid references it is worth a try.

Society suggests I must let go of all my expectations but I disagree, as whilst I have a voice, I have hope.

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope is for tomorrow else what is left if you remove a mans hope.
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This forum supports these words, thank you Unlock and your contributors.

As Was said above, your conviction is spent, so for most jobs you don't need to disclose it, even if you're asked, because it won't be on a basic DBS check. Beyond that, if you're on Universal Credit, ask your work coach to get you on a course or two. Also, remember that you don't have to disclose your conviction anymore for most jobs, so don't even mention it or refer to it. In case you're asked why you've been out of work, think of a likely reason, work something up and stick to the story. Physical health? Mental health? Caring for a relative? Lottery win?

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If you are to punish a man retributively you must injure him. If you are to reform him you must improve him. And men are not improved by injuries. (George Bernard Shaw)

Hi Was!

Apologies I haven't replied before - I lost my account details and the password reset didn't work

I was considering going contracting, but unsure where to start, having so much time out of the work environment has knocked my confidence a bit

You should be able to get a job that can only request a basic check as that conviction should have been spent last year. Not ideal for all but I worked in an Amazon distribution centre for a while.

Hi everyone!

Took the blame for a young family member (fraud), ended up inside (back in 2016), given 3yrs 2 months. Not had a job since.

On the whole, how do we recover from the process? Are we expected to become self employed?