Spent and unspent convictions
Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, most convictions and cautions become spent after a set period. Once a conviction is spent, for most jobs you don't have to tell an employer about it, and they can't refuse to employ you because of it.
When spent convictions can still show
Some roles are exceptions, such as work with children or vulnerable adults and some regulated professions. For these, employers can request a standard or enhanced DBS check, which can show some spent convictions, subject to filtering rules. A basic DBS check shows unspent convictions only.
Work out where you stand
Before you apply, check whether your convictions are spent and what each type of check would show. Unlock has free, detailed guidance and a disclosure calculator.
Talking about your record
If you need to disclose, keep it short and factual: what happened, when, what has changed since, and why you're right for the role. Practise it out loud. Our conversation planner can help you prepare.
Find employers who give a fair chance
Some employers actively welcome applicants with convictions. Look for fair chance hiring statements, Ban the Box commitments and our Second chance directory.
Where this applies. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules and checking services (Disclosure Scotland and AccessNI).
Common questions
Do I have to tell an employer about a spent conviction?
For most jobs, no. Some roles, such as work with children or vulnerable adults, are exceptions.
What does a basic DBS check show?
Unspent convictions and cautions only.
Where can I check if my conviction is spent?
Unlock has free guidance and a disclosure calculator.
References: GOV.UK, Telling an employer about your criminal record; GOV.UK, Disclosure and Barring Service; Unlock, Unlock.