Latest news from Personnel Checks
Bringing you the latest insights from the background screening industry
A Resounding Success: 92% of Participant Businesses Continue with Four-Day Work Week
A six-month trial of a four-day working week involving 61 UK companies and 2,900 employees has been hailed as a "resounding success". The largest trial of its kind saw a variety of four-day week structures tested, and led to 92% of the participant businesses continuing a 4-day work week, with 29.5% confirming they have implemented the 4-day policy as a permanent change
Navigating the UK's Tight Job Market: How Background Screening Can Help You Recruit the Right Candidates
The UK labour market is facing an unprecedented shortage of workers across all sectors. Employers are struggling to fill full-time roles and are looking for ways to ensure they are hiring the best candidates. One way to do this is through background screening, which can help identify potential red flags and ensure that the candidate is trustworthy, reliable and qualified for the job.
How Flexible Working Can Create an Empowered Workforce
Flexible working is becoming a contentious topic for some employers. At Personnel Checks we’re strong believers that allowing flexibility creates an empowered and loyal workforce. In this article, we share some stories from our employees about their experiences.
Can You Start Work Pending the result of a DBS Check?
Starting a new job can be a nerve-wracking experience. Waiting on a DBS result to come through can add anxiety onto what can already be a stressful situation. But can you start work whilst waiting for your DBS Check to be completed? In this article, we’ll answer all your questions on whether you can start work with an outstanding DBS Check.
Changes to Right to Work Checks from October 1st: Who’s affected?
From the 1st of October, Right to Work checks in the UK are changing. The introduction of digital ID as an option is a groundbreaking moment but it’s still not a perfect solution. The new rules could potentially exclude millions of people from remote work.
#FairChecks Movement Calls for Criminal Record Reform
The #FairChecks movement is a collaborative venture between two of the UK’s leading justice reform charities, Unlock and Transform Justice. #FairChecks is all about creating a records system that works for everyone.
Can a DBS Check be used for different jobs
Our advisors are always asked questions whether they can use their current DBS Certificate for a new job. The answer isn’t particularly straightforward. In this article, we break down exactly what you need to know about using existing DBS information when starting a new job.
3 Ways to Help Retain Staff in the New Workplace
With the current candidate-driven market, there are opportunities to change employers around every corner. So it’s no surprise that retaining staff is a topic on everybody’s mind at the moment. Here we give our top 3 tips on what you need to do to nurture and retain your existing staff.
Ex-offenders in work 6 weeks after release increased by more than half since 2021
Nearly 12 million people in the UK have a criminal record. But in past surveys, nearly half of employers have said they wouldn’t employ someone with a criminal record. Its promising to see that employment rates have increased, hopefully meaning attitudes have started to change.
The Number of Criminal Record Checks Carried Out in the UK is Increasing
For many years the UK has lagged behind the US when it came to background screening. Looking at figures from the Disclosure and Barring Service, we’re starting to catch up. The number of criminal record checks carried out by UK employers has increased nearly every year since 2012.
What’s the difference between a CRB and DBS Check?
DBS and CRB Checks are often confused. We’re regularly asked by our customers to explain the difference. In this guide, we’ve gone into detail about the key differences and which type of criminal record check you need for your business.
Why you should be carrying out qualification background checks on senior hires
Qualification Checks are a sorely underused background screening check. Over the past few years there have been a number of high-profile cases involving fraudulent qualifications given by senior hires during the recruitment process. Qualification checks can help prevent damage caused by people lying about their credentials.
Digital Identity Checks are finally on their way
Following campaigning from several industry groups, the UK Government have confirmed that they will be beginning the rollout of digital identity verification as part of certain government services. This is a big step forwards for the UK when it comes to digital identity.
Top 5 Things to get your HR Ahead for 2022
January is the best time to take stock of where things are when it comes to HR. It gives you a chance to recognise what needs to be done and get new things ready in time for the new financial year. In this guide, we look at the top 5 things HR need to be looking at to get ahead for 22/23
Why has there been a steep rise in the number of businesses carrying out qualification checks?
Qualification background checks have been around for a long time. But over the past 2 years, we have seen a sharp increase in the number of people requesting this type of check. Is this down to employers being more careful when recruiting or is there another reason?
Are DBS Checks Transferrable between employers?
DBS Checks are a necessary part of recruitment but they can sometimes delay things. This is why we’re often asked if an existing DBS Check can be used when changing jobs. In certain cases you can, but there are certain rules that need to be followed.
Does Santa need a DBS Check? Seasonal staff and DBS Checks
When recruiting seasonal staff, you need to make sure you’re carrying out the right DBS checks. Whether it’s Santa, an elf, or just extra staff to help cover over the festive season, having the right DBS Checks in place can help protect you, your business and the public.
5 actionable ways to prevent employee fraud in your business
This week is International Fraud Awareness Week. It is estimated that employee fraud in the UK costs businesses as much as 5% of their annual turnover. Small or medium enterprises are also more at risk than larger firms. In this article, we look at what you can do to help prevent employee fraud.
Why you should really start thinking about continuous background screening
The focus on the ‘pre-’ in the phrase ‘pre-employment screening’ can lead businesses to treat screening as a tick box exercise. Not only is continuous screening an important tool, in some industries it is mandatory for compliance. In this article, we look at why you should really start thinking about continuous background screening.
Is Automated Hiring Hindering Corporate Recruitment?
Automated hiring is often touted as a foolproof way to reduce admin times for HR teams and those responsible for recruitment within an organisation. Research is starting to show that this isn’t always the case. Automated hiring could actually be hindering your recruitment.