Disclosure periods for convictions will change in November

Changes to disclosure periods for criminal convictions will come into effect at the end of November, the justice secretary has confirmed.

The reforms will reduce the length of time most job applicants need to declare criminal convictions and fines.

Humza Yousaf said employers, applicants and other organisations such as insurers should be aware of the changes from November 30.

Changes to the rules were supported by MSPS as part of the Management of Offenders (Scotland) Act which was passed in Holyrood last year. For those aged 18 or over at time of conviction, a six-month custodial sentence will need to be disclosed for two and a half years rather than the current period of seven years.

A fine will be considered “spent”, and therefore will not need to be disclosed, after one year rather than the current period of five years.

For those under 18 when convicted, the disclosure period for a six-month prison sentence will be reduced from three and a half years to 18 months.

The changes will not impact convictions for more serious crimes which carry sentences of four years or higher, while the enhanced PVG rules for professions such as teaching and medicine will not be affected.

Mr Yousaf said: “Parliament agreed that current disclosure periods are too long.

“Employment and the skills, opportunities and hope that it brings, can support routes out of offending, thereby contributing to safer communities.”