Job worried

[Foggy]

Completely agree -- if anything those who are dealing with their debt are less of a worry (and are getting more financially "savvy" by the day) than those colleagues who are stressed out by mounting debts (and probably only a phone call away from the same solutions .. when that time comes).

Anyway .... fingers crossed ... let us know how you get on .... my water says it will be ok

[Car1e]

Thanks Foggy! I am hoping that you are correct. Will of course let you know.

[Car1e]

Well....the offer arrived today and confirmed that they do a full background check including criminal records etc. I am not a criminal but they also do a financial check. I've just emailed to say that we are in an IVA, the circumstances around it and await their response. I hope that they will say thank you for your honesty, I don't feel ashamed or embarrassed but I do still feel worried. Getting a new job should be an achievement, not remind you of difficult times gone past from which you are trying to move on from.

[Julie]

Hi Car1e, it may be a generic clause and not affect your role. If you do get a negative reply ask for a face to face meeting to explain your circumstances and why your appointment will not be a risk. It's worth trying.

[MelanieGiles]

It is ridiculous for an employer offering a job in marketing to prejudice against someone who has had financial difficulties but who has addressed them in a sensible manner. I would never put clauses like this into my own firm's contracts of employment.

[Julie]

I totally agree with you Mel, but you would be dismayed at the growing trend of this type of clause in contracts-regardless of the role.

It needs to be challenged in my opinion.

[MelanieGiles]

I blame the softness of Industrial Tribunal system Julie. Their constant siding with employees who often bring spurious claims against their employers and win, as the employers cannot afford the high legal costs to defend their positions, is making employers want to make employment contracts as tight a possible to the detriment of good, loyal and hardworking staff.

[Julie]

I totally agree Mel and the new changes to tribunal fees will not make a difference, I'm afraid.

I do hope employers will see sense and not include this clause for all roles.

[Car1e]

Hi and thank you for your comments. The Company has simply responded to my email by requesting that I sign the Background Permission Form and to return it so they can carry out the necessary searches - they remain non-commital. They have asked for clarification of my start date so I have handed my notice in, the irony is that I believe my existing employer to be insolvent which is why I am jumping ship. All that I can do is to continue to job hunt whilst the new Company carries out their checks just in case they rescind the offer. It's a worrying time for my husband and I.

[MelanieGiles]

If they do raise the issue of your IVA, be honest about the reasons why and ask your IP to provide you with a reference as demonstration of your commitment to getting creditors repaid. If you are the best candidate for the job, this should really not be a barrier.

[Gina.gu]

Having just beenm through something a bit the same egarding job uncertainity I hope you get through it and get a positive respoonse. Take care

[Car1e]

Hi Melanie, yes I have already been honest and completely upfront prior to signing the form.That's really helpful regarding asking my IP for a reference if they do question further, I will definitely do so,thank you very much. Thanks also to Gina and fingers crossed that they will simply see that I am still the best candidate regardless of our IVA. Thank you again for all the advice and support, it's why this Forum is so invaluable. Especially when you cannot sleep because you are worried!

[Niobe]

Got everything crossed for you!!

[MelanieGiles]

Another great example of how supportive this forum can be. Good luck with the job and do let us know how you get on.

[Car1e]

Just a quick update. I am still waiting to hear, sent off all the paperwork, permissions for background check, contract etc last week. Was determined not to email but have done so today to just check that they received everything. No reply as yet. I just wanted to say that I have kept our IP involved throughout all of this. They even offered to write a reference to illustrate our compliance with the IVA to date without being asked for it. I really do think that we have an absolutely fabulous IP who even responds to emails sent late in the evening! It's that sort of support which enables you to carry on with your life despite the constraints that you may feel at times within an IVA. And of course the Forum is also a huge help!