6 Things People Always Want to Know About Background Checks
At Personnel Checks we carry out lots of different types of background check. This means we get asked a lot of questions about what they involve and what they reveal. From what we’re asked it seems there are quite a lot of myths surrounding background checks. But some questions appear far more frequently than others. In this guide, we look at the 6 most common queries we get asked about background checks.
I can’t work if there are convictions on my record
This is one of the most common myths when it comes to background checks. People are always asking whether convictions will prevent them from getting a job. Around 11 million people in the UK have a criminal record, this is about 16% of the country and over a third of the working-age population.
Employers cannot legally refuse employment on the grounds of a past conviction unless it is specifically related to the work you are trying to do. Employers running criminal record checks are legally obligated to have a policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders. This policy has to outline how they will fairly treat an individual who has an offence on their record. If you feel that you have been unfairly discriminated against based on a past conviction, you can seek help with the charity Unlock.
Background checks don’t normally reveal salary information.
Will my previous salary be shown on a background check? This is one of the most common questions our team gets asked. However, for most standard background checks, salary information will not be revealed. This is the case for all criminal record checks, reference checks and occupational history checks. Salary information is considered protected information under the UK GDPR so previous employers would need your express consent to share this information on a background check.
Employers can ask you to pay for your own background checks
We are often asked, ‘Can my new employer make me pay for my own background check?’. The truth is, they are not legally obligated to pay for any background checks they want to be completed before you start employment. However, it is definitely best practice for employers to pay for the checks they want completing.
When it comes to criminal record checks, some employers will ask applicants to pay for their DBS Check at first. They then reimburse this in your first wage. This often happens because people sometimes wait for their DBS certificate to arrive and then don’t actually start working.
Landlords can carry out background checks on tenants
People can be surprised when landlords ask to carry out background checks before they are allowed to rent. However, landlords are absolutely entitled to run background checks on potential tenants. There are three types of background checks that landlords like to carry out: right to rent checks; credit checks; and Basic DBS Checks. Right to rent checks are compulsory. Landlords have to ensure that anyone renting a property of them is legally allowed to reside in the UK and rent a property.
Credit checks and Basic DBS Checks aren’t compulsory, but many landlords like to carry them out for financial reasons. Tenant credit checks can reveal whether someone is in a position to pay rent on a regular basis. These checks can reveal adverse financial data like CCJ’s, bankruptcies and voluntary arrangements. Basic DBS Checks are often used because of insurance purposes. Some insurance companies will charge more if a tenant has certain criminal convictions on their record.
Background checks are usually carried out before you start work
Most companies that carry out background checks will not confirm you have the job until they have completed the background checks. This is definitely true in sectors where background checks are a regulatory requirement. In certain cases, they will employ someone on a provisional basis if they are still waiting for the results of a background check.
TherE isn’t a ‘best’ background check
Our team often gets asked ‘What is the best background check to carry out?’ The answer is, there isn’t one. Depending on the check carried out, different information will be revealed. There is no ‘master’ background check which will reveal everything about a person.
Which background checks are useful depends entirely on what it’s needed for. For work in the financial sector, a combination of criminal record checks and adverse financial checks are the best choice. For senior positions in a business, occupational history or qualification checks can give peace of mind about whether a candidate is suitable. In schools, Enhanced DBS Checks are a statutory requirement.
If you’re not sure what checks are best for you, give us a call and we can talk you through your options. You can get in touch by calling 01254 355688 or you can drop us an email at letstalk@personnelchecks.co.uk. Our expert advisors are always on hand to help.