Protecting the innocent

Employers are under increasing pressure to carry out detailed screening checks on potential employees, making sure CV information is correct, even using agencies to check people's backgrounds.  However, this can be a legal minefield if employers are not aware of current data protection laws.  Liz Hall investigates.

Last month's jailing of unqualified gynaecologist Dr Henry Akpata and the forced resignation of NHS Trust chief executive Neil Taylor in December for awarding himself a non-existent degree, were the latest in a string of revelations concerning employees claiming to be something they are not.