Immigration is currently a key area of focus for the UK government as shown by the publication of the “Restoring Control Over the Immigration System” white paper published on 12 May 2025 (“the White Paper”) and the references to immigration included within the government’s policy paper, “the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy”

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA) applies to deem certain previous criminal convictions “spent” where the individual does not re-offend during a certain specified period from the date of conviction – the rehabilitation period. Convictions which are deemed “spent” are not disclosable including to employers except where an exemption applies which is