www.iva.co.uk

I'm so angry right now I could burst[:(!]

I just went to apply for a job as an analyst at Co-operative Financial and was told I could not apply as I did not meet their selection criteria as I have an IVA. Now bear in mind that I have all the relevant experience and skills to do the job (as it's the same job as I do now within the civil service) but much better money and the job is nothing to do with interaction with money but rather an analyst within the IT Change department. Oh, and co-op aren't even one of the institutions in my IVA.

I'm sorry - how does having an IVA prevent me from doing my job?

Just wondered if anyone had any experience with Employment laws as surely this is some sort of discrimination. What do they do with members of staff who get an IVA- sack them on the spot?

Sorry for venting but it's really infuriated me. Not sure where I stand with being able to appeal their decision.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

Sorry cmjw
I have absolutely no idea on this and I can understand your frustration.
The only thing I can think of is that although you applied for IT it still comes under Co-op financial!
Maybe an anonymous call to their HR department might shed some light.

You may need to look fully at the application criteria required - If this is the criteria indicated , i can NOT see how you could appeal this.

Hi Im sorry to hear you did not meet the criteria & I can understand your frustration as you are not actually dealing or handling money.

It is often advised to people thinking of entering a IVA that their employment will not be affected by doing so, which can be found in a employees contract or contacting the HR department.
If it is a requirement of their employment then their is little you can do.

Hi - I understand your frustration. When i was in an IVA I applied for a job within a well-known financial institution and they pushed and pushed for me, offering exceptional terms etc, then they asked me about my credit history... i heard no more from them.

It does really suck but from an employment law perspective, there is no form of discriminiation protection that would cover this.

You are right, having an IVA has absolutely no bearing on you ability to do the job but unfortunately, as we have both found out - it can rear its ugly head at the most inopportune moments.

My advice would be get all the anger out then move on.

I would write to them and ask to appeal their decison. It may get you nowhere but its worth a go!!

Paul

It's just not fair that we're punished from lots of angles for trying to deal with our debts!

Julie who is a regular expert poster on here may have some advice for you as she's in HR and hopefully she'll be around later. x

It is a disgrace and it is time there was some reform to employment laws to stop this dreadful prejudice against people who are honestly trying to repay their debts. When this country is so OTT on race, disability and gender prejudice, I cannot understand the logic of some companies, which can only be based on naive ignorance at the top board level.

Hi cmjw - that's so disappointing. Unfortunately you can take it for granted that all private sector financial institutions will credit check you but being in an iva isn't necessarily a dealbreaker. However, it was enough of an obstacle to cause me to move out of the sector...and I'm only in marketing so have nothing to do with the money side!!! And yes, in some banks you can be fired for being insolvent!!! x

It's not only banks that will punish you for being insolvent - you can't join the police if you are bankrupty or in an IVA.

Thanks for your all your advice. I've calmed down now!

Guess it's just something I'll have to live with for now. I've only got another 4 years and 10 months before the IVA's off my credit file!!!

It is bad that you can't get the job you want - we should not be punished. We've been open and above board about our debt - as far as I'm concerned we're a much better bet than those who still have their head firmly buried in the sand.

Just wanted to add that ive experienced exactly the same thing on a number of job application. I work in financials services too, and all the jobs id applied for turned me down at application stage due to having an IVA. I rang one of them as the job was so suited and i just couldnt understand it. They wouldnt explain but said it does go against you.

Geoff

Totally agree Jan! Its almost like these posters are being treated as though they have a criminal record.

I do remember why you said we could not go into the police force for being at risk of accepting bribes of criminals, for me I would rather lock them up than accept any amount of money!

Same here Lyns! My force has no idea that I'm in an IVA and I have no intention of telling them.

I do know that certain positions within the police carry credit checks even when you're already employed there.

Shouldn't happen - you're just as likely to accept a bribe when you're solvent as when you're not. Depends on how greedy you are!