Cocaine

[bubbly2000]

A friend has to tell any past convictions on a job form, he had a police caution 8 yrs ago for poss of a small amount of cocaine at a party. No charges, just a silly one off. How far can they go back and is it likely to bite him on the bum all this time later, he now has a good job, a mortgage, wife and baby.

[ladyalex]

It depends on the job, I'd say.
I'm sure others on here will know for sure, but if the job requires an 'enhanced' check then the caution will show up.
In general it is usually safer and better to come clean at interview as ,if your friend lies then it is found out that he has lied ,then the employer can and probably will dismiss him instantly.
He would have no redress as he had 'broken trust'.
Up to him in the end what he does.

[Buenchico]

Cautions aren't the same as convictions. Unless the type of employment is exempted from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (which will clearly be stated on the form) he can lawfully answer 'No' to any question asking him whether he has any criminal convictions.

If the employment is exempted from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, then the employer will almost certainly carry out a DBS check (which has replaced CRB checks), which will ALWAYS show the caution for the rest of his life.

Chris

[Buenchico]

PS: LadyAlex is in error. Cautions show up on BOTH 'standard' and 'enhanced' DBS checks:
https://www.gov.uk/crb-criminal-records-bureau-check

[bubbly2000]

Thank you. He is already in employment and has been with the company for yrs, however they have a contract coming up soon at a prison to construct new building/block or whatever, thats why they need to do checks, suppose they need to see if he poses any sort of risk

[ladyalex]

I stand corrected, Buenchico, but in my defence, I did say that others would know for sure.
If I were your friend, I'd come clean if asked.