Apologies if in wrong section. Has anyone had any experience or advice of applying for a professional & career development loan. Seriously considering looking at funding for a city & guilds in painting & decorating course.I was made redundant in June & i am struggling to get work in my field & thinking of changing & improving my career options with a view to eventually being self employed. Just need some advise on funding or loans but the latter could be tricky as my credit file will be poor. Many thanks in advance Middxx

Hi everyone, Thank you for all the posts and advice on other threads - I have read through them diligently over the last 5 hours, but I am still terrified and feeling downright ridiculous and am more concerned with the 'integrity screening' repercussions from future potential employers. I was in TKMaxx earlier and removed a face bronzer from it's packet and repeated that action with a nail varnish before putting them both in my bag. I was stopped outside the shop by security and escorted to the back office where I admitted to the theft, returned the items which amounted to about £12, offered to pay for them which was declined and was asked for ID. I presented my passport and student ID card and was warned to expect an RLP letter to my home address. I signed the form banning me from entry into all TKMaxx and Homesense stores. I am a 23 year old female student, recently on antidepressants (no excuse, but feel like I am totally losing touch with myself and my principles) and this is the first time this has ever happened. In my panic I volunteered my student ID card as I had no proof of address and they noted down my university name and registration number. After studying for so many years and having student debt up to my eyeballs I am now horrified at the thought that Cireco and associated integrity screening databases could render all my hardwork (and debt) useless because of this frikking awful incident. For all of you who have been very helpful on other posts and are in the know (scarlettpimpernel, 2grumpy, dx, honeybee and the rest), I would so appreaciate having your advice on the following: 1) I understand that Asda, Superdrug, Tesco, Iceland and Boots have access to Cireco's "dishonest database" however can anyone tell me which other non-retail clients RLP have? On their website they mention communications and finance companies as part of their client group. 2) I am in the process of my graduate applications which will include those to law firms (painfully ironic) for grad schemes, government and civil service fast track schemes and grad schemes within the EU, UN and domestic politics. Apparently my name will be on the "dishonesty database" for 6 years so I am almost convinced at the moment that my idiotic actions will have cost me employment in the future due to screening in recruitment processes. I appreciate that this is a dramatic assumption, however I know I will be subject to high-screening for the roles as trainee lawyer, MP staff etc. Does anyone with law/civil service/RLP background know how much of my career I have actually sacrificed? 3) Considering that my priority is my career and therefore not wanting to draw attention to my name on the database, I think I will pay the fine. I understand 99.999% of you will think this completely unnecessary, but I do not want to be remembered or risk anything more that could damage my future any further. Therefore, my question is once I have paid the fine/contribution/office xmas drinks, will RLP come running back for more money? To be completely honest, even though I don't really have the money I can borrow it from my partner and my guilt/shame will be slightly eased by paying for it and not having to worry about my parents opening countless letters from RLP while I am at uni. (I gave them my home address in my panic - so so stupid.) 4) After volunteering my university info and registration number, could RLP notify my university or use that information against me in any way in the future regarding screenings, asking for more money etc? 5) I have a part-time job in a boutique clothes shop and I very much enjoy the work and am a loyal, honest employee. Could TKMaxx/ RLP notify my work place of this incident? Lastly, (and thank you very much for reading this far), I understand this is not a criminal affair but anything that stands against my name could be very damaging, so anyone in a similar situation or with any knowledge about the scope or effect of integrity screening processes for future employment as a lawyer or civil servant, please please please come to my rescue. I am too ashamed to tell my parents - it's not how I was raised. Many Thanks Jerry