The hiring process in the UK is a highly regulated one to ensure maximum safety in the workplace. Hence, DBS checks are a top priority for employers here.
Generally, a basic DBS check is enough for employers to cover matters of legal compliance in the UK. However, if the workplace involves children or vulnerable people, the equation is a bit different.
The proportion of candidates flagged as a “cause for concern” during background checks in the UK healthcare sector has doubled since 2023, according to new research data. Currently, one in five applicants fails to pass initial screening, representing a sharp increase from 10% the previous year. All employers in the healthcare sector are expected to be checking immigration status and legal right to work as a bare minimum, and many also ask for enhanced DBS checks. Employers may also fact check CVs or application letters, screen social media, or request copies of professional qualifications.
At the start of December 2024, The Home Office has reported a significant rise in arrests for illegal working following intensified efforts to target rogue businesses who are not doing identity checking correctly, or are turning a blind eye to applicants who might be the UK illegally. New figures reveal a 25% increase in arrests compared to the same period last year, highlighting the government’s focus on tackling illegal employment practices.
In the United Kingdom, a DBS check stands for a check conducted by the Disclosure and Barring Service. It’s a non-departmental public body of the home office of the United Kingdom that performs background checks to regulate the criminal activities of an individual.
Currently, many employers check the identity and verify the Right to Work status of their employees by asking workers to bring in passports or resident permits for manual checking. The government is now urging everyone relying on physical documents to prove their immigration status to transition to the digital eVisa system by the end of 2025, so it’s essential to be prepared.
A right to work check is a process employers in the UK use to confirm that an individual is legally permitted to work in the country. This verification is usually a basic part of the recruitment process and involves checking the person’s identity and immigration status.
The introduction of day-one rights for unfair dismissal could trigger a significant increase in tribunal claims for discrimination, according to legal experts. A law firm has warned that any rise in Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and other background checks on new hires may also increase legal challenges for employers, as the law also limits the types of checks which can be carried out.
As part of the implementation of the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020, the way disclosure checks are conducted for people living in Scotland will change from 1 April 2025. This guide outlines the updates, new disclosure levels, and what you need to know to prepare. The first thing to clarify is that the type of criminal records check which you require will depend on where you live, not on where your employer’s head office is located. People working in home care or in education in Scotland will need to follow the new disclosure system.
Are you overwhelmed by the process of getting your British documents legalised for use overseas? You’re not alone—this can often be confusing and time-consuming. Our expert guide breaks down the key differences between Apostille Legalisation and Consular Legalisation, helping you navigate the process with ease.
Fostering offers a lifeline to children who cannot live with their birth families for a whole host of reasons, either temporarily or on a longer term basis. Foster carers give them a safe and nurturing environment and help improve their emotional and psychological well-being. There is a real shortage of foster carers throughout the UK and what puts many people off applying is the idea that the application process is very lengthy. Councils and agencies have been working hard to streamline the process, but one of the key parts of any foster carer screening is an enhanced DBS check.
