Recruitment background checks

New and updated

• Type:

  Quick reference

  Jobs where it is lawful to ask for details of spent convictions (Scotland)

  A table listing the jobs where it is lawful to ask candidates in Scotland for details of spent convictions.

• Type:

  Quick reference

  Criminal record checks

  Updated to reflect that youth cautions and multiple convictions will no longer be automatically disclosed in criminal records certificates with effect from 28 November 2020.

• Type:

  Employment law cases

  Tribunal claim of new recruit who doctored personal details to appear 10 years younger

  This tribunal case is an example of a situation dreaded by recruiters: finding out that a recruit lied on his or her CV.

• Type:

  Tasks

  Request a reference on a prospective employee

• Type:

  Employment law cases

  Criminal record checks: "spent" convictions law breaches European Convention on Human Rights

  The Court of Appeal has held that the system for the disclosure of individuals' criminal records to employers breaches the European Convention on Human Rights. 

• Type:

  FAQs

  What are the main obligations on employers in relation to vetting and barring under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006?

• Type:

  FAQs

  Under the vetting and barring scheme, what constitutes "regulated activity" in relation to children?

• Type:

  FAQs

  Under the vetting and barring scheme, what constitutes "regulated activity" in relation to vulnerable adults?

• Type:

  FAQs

  Can an employer contact an applicant's current or most recent employer if they have not given them as a named referee?

• Type:

  FAQs

  In what circumstances might an employer need to obtain a medical report on an employee?