Background Checks on the Rise
An increasing number of criminal records found among employees is attributed to employers conducting more thorough investigations on the candidates they hire, claims a recent report by Staff Patrol, a provider of employment background screening services for both commercial clients and individuals. Companies are also scrutinizing a larger percentage of their staff, including contractors and temporary employees. And even though the overall number of criminal records has increased, there are still segments of the workforce with a higher than average percentage. The largest number of criminal records, the semiannual employment screening risk analysis report reveals, is in the construction sector, with an average of 9% more infractions than any other industry. This increase in criminal records approached a 13% growth over last year. Additional findings indicate that the retail and food service industries rank second with an increase of approximately 11% over last year. The two industries that faired the best were banking and technology, showing an increase of 6% in criminal records over last year. All other market segments that conducted routine background checks saw an average increase of 9%. Other critical discoveries detailed in the report include an increase in embellished education credentials (10%) as well as the enhancement of past employment details (a rise of almost 15%). “Employers are asking for more thorough employment screening, including the screening of existing employees. Additional services becoming standard are drug screening, credit evaluation and driving histories. These extra requirements will certainly provide more details on employees and potential candidates as time passes,” claims a Staff Patrol manager. While the hiring process and success for candidates can be much tougher with these new screening stipulations, it is important to note that companies that have this information are able to make better, informed hiring decisions.
Article courtesy of Kennedy Information Recruiting Trends providing leading edge insights and strategies for the recruiting professional
