Top 10 Employment Background Checks for UK Job Seekers

When you apply for a job, and especially if you’re offered that job, you will face employment background checks. Certain background checks, like your job history and academic achievements, are part of the application process. They’re carried out to make sure you meet the requirements for the job. Other checks, such as ID and Right to Work, generally happen once you’ve accepted a job offer but before you begin your new role.

The type of background checks carried out will often depend on the job you’ve applied for, the level of risk in that role, and the industry or type of organisation. Some background checks, such as the Right to Work are a legal requirement. Others are simply best practice.

Here are the ten most common employment background checks that are used in the UK.

1. Employment History

Generally, an employer will check that you’ve worked for the businesses listed on your CV by contacting the work references you provide. This is why it’s important that you keep your references up to date and relevant.

2. Identity Check

The purpose of this check is to confirm that you are who you say you are. Generally, you’ll be asked to provide photo ID, such as a current passport, photo driving licence, or some other document that features a recognisable photo of you. You may also be asked for a bank statement and utility bill to prove that you live in the UK.

3. Academic Achievement

To confirm that you have the qualifications stated on your CV, an employer may ask you to provide official transcripts, diplomas, or certificates, for instance, a university degree certificate. They may also contact your school, college, or university.

4. Criminal Record

For certain jobs, including teacher, solicitor, nurse, accountant, and security guard, the employer will check whether you have a criminal record in the UK. This is called a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

You can apply for a DBS check yourself through the gov.uk website.

5. Global Sanctions Check

The purpose of a global sanctions check is to make sure that you aren’t associated with individuals or organisations that are on international sanctions lists. Employers in various industries, such as banks, exporters, and law firms, use these checks to comply with global regulations and prevent illegal activities.

6. Right to Work

Businesses are required by law to carry out a Right to Work check before employing you. This background check makes sure that you are legally allowed to work in the UK. You will be asked to provide documents such as your passport, birth certificate, or immigration status document.

7. Social Media

While this isn’t an official ‘background check’, the employer may investigate your social media presence to get a better sense of who you are. As a business based platform, LinkedIn is probably the most common place to start, but they may also look for you on Facebook, Instagram, or other social media channels.

8. Drug Screening

In jobs where safety is important or employees handle sensitive tasks, drug screening may be used to check for recent drug use. However, the employer must have your consent to carry out a drug test.

Jobs that may require drug screening include HGV drivers, police officers, heavy machinery operators, healthcare professionals, and security guards.

9. Financial Records

If you apply for a job that involves handling money, accessing sensitive financial information, or making decisions about financial matters, you may face a financial records check. This generally includes your credit history, bankruptcy records, and county court judgements (CCJs).

10. DVLA Check

For jobs that involve driving, such as HGV drivers or a delivery driver, a DVLA check will be carried out. The purpose of this background check is to confirm your driving record, including any penalty points, disqualifications, and the types of vehicles you’re allowed to drive.

You’ll generally be asked to create a code on the DVLA website so the employer can access your driving licence information.

Advice for Job Seekers

So what can you do to make sure the background check process goes smoothly?

  Prepare the right documents and information

When you apply for a job, find out which background checks will be carried out and when. Gather the documents and information needed for these checks, for instance, your passport or driving licence number, in advance. Make sure your references are up to date and suitable.

  Audit your social media presence

The employer may or may not investigate your social media presence, but why take the risk? Go through your social media accounts and make sure they give the right impression. If you don’t want the employer to view your social media posts, make them or your account private or limit who can view them.

This might also be the ideal time to improve your online presence, especially on LinkedIn.

  Understand your rights

When it comes to employment background checks in the UK, you have a number of rights and protections as a job candidate:

• An employer can’t carry out a background check unless you have given your permission.
• The information the employer gathers on you must be stored securely and kept confidential.
• The employer must only gather information that is relevant for the purposes of your job application.
• You have the right to access the information gathered in the background checks.
• The types of background checks used by an employer must not discriminate against any group of people based on a protected characteristic, such as age.

Make sure that you aren’t bullied into a background check or treatment that breaches your rights.

Wrapping it up

Facing a background check may make you nervous, even if you have nothing to worry about. However, the best way to handle the process is to find out exactly which checks will be carried out, prepare for them, gather all the information needed, and make sure your rights are upheld. From an employer’s perspective, background checks are just one more way to make sure that you’re the best fit for the job.