Disclosure to new employer

[Anyothername]

I'm filling in a security questionnaire for a new job. It's with an ordinary company, not one that would require a particular level of security clearance. The questionnaire is asking me if I have any criminal convictions and if I have any proceedings pending that could result in a conviction. Can anyone tell me if they are allowed to ask for this information?

[AnnoyingOrange]

some info here

[vj32]

It is usual for some jobs - eg. I had a relative who works in IT. His company happened to have a contract working on systems for a central government department, so he had to have security clearance - really long complex form apparently, asking about him and any family who lived with him.

[hermioneweasley]

Yes perfectly lawful provided they don't use a spent conviction to discriminate

[CarrotsAreNotTheOnlyVegetables]

Hermione - according to the link given by AnnoyingOrange if a conviction is spent and the job is not an exempted occupation, the OP can answer "no" if asked if they have a criminal record and they cannot be dismissed if the employer finds out about the spent conviction later.

So, they can ask but you don't have to tell them about it.