The Top 5 Most Commonly Requested Types of Background Check in UK

UK Employers will usually conduct background checks on applicants before hiring them. This is because they want to make sure that the person they hire is qualified for a given job and won't be a liability in the future.

In our Annual Report (Guidance for Hiring, Background Checking & Onboarding in 2022), we've collected data from over 100,000 background checks, across 40+ screening categories for companies & professionals around the world, and summarised results across 6 countries & 5 key industries. We’ve found out that the most commonly requested background checks in UK are:

1. Employment Check 
2. National ID Check
3. Academic Achievement Check
4. Criminal Record Check
5. Global Sanctions Check

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Let’s dive deep into each of these checks.

1. Employment Check in UK

Employment history record checks are a common practice for UK employers. They are used to find out about the candidate's past work duration, job title, and experience and to see if the person is suitable for a given position.

In addition, there is also an applicant's character reference check to gauge softer skills. This is done by contacting someone who knows the applicant well, such as an old boss or coworker, and asking them about their work ethic, dependability, etc.

Job seekers are often asked to provide a list of references during the hiring process. Employers typically call these references for a reference check in order to find out more about the applicant. A reference check is a way for employers to make sure that an applicant is competent and worthy of being hired.

Employers are looking for specific information during a reference check and the common questions are:

- How long have they known the applicant? 

- What was their relationship with them? 

- Did they work with them? Did they supervise them? 

- What can they say about their work ethic, skills, and personality?

2. National ID Check in UK

In the digital age, stealing someone's identity is as easy as a few clicks. With the rise of social media and online shopping, it is becoming more and more difficult for companies to verify that their applicants are who they say they are.

This is where a National ID Check comes in handy. This check will let companies verify if an individual is who they say they are. This process will not only save time on verifying applicants' information but will also make it easier for companies to combat identity theft by making it harder for someone to impersonate an individual.

A National ID Check would be beneficial because it would allow companies to verify applicant identities without having to go through a long and drawn out process of searching through databases of information. This check will usually involve verifying personal information, checking and comparing documents, and confirming that all information provided matches.

3. Academic Achievement Check in UK

An academic achievement check is a verification process that validates the authenticity of a candidate's education. Some UK companies use an academic history check to verify the credentials of their potential employees. 

An academic history check is a comprehensive check of a person's educational background. It is an important part of the pre-employment screening process because it can help employers understand the education and qualifications of a candidate. It also helps employers to eliminate candidates who misrepresent their qualifications by falsifying their education or work history.

Academic achievement checks are also known as academic history checks, education verification or credential checks. The process of an academic history check involves examining the educational and professional records of the candidate to ensure that they are authentic and accurate.

The education verification process is usually conducted by employers before hiring in order to determine whether or not they have the necessary qualifications for the position in question.

4. Criminal Record Check in UK

The number of crimes committed in the UK is rising. The number of crimes committed in London alone is on a steady rise each year. Crime rates in the UK are influenced by a number of socio-economic factors. The most prominent of these factors is unemployment. With the increasing number of crimes, the need to conduct criminal background checks for employment is becoming more important.

A criminal record check is a search of an individual’s criminal records. It is important to conduct a criminal record check when hiring someone for employment. These checks can be used for any position in the company, from management positions to part-time jobs. 

Criminal records checks are important because they can reveal past convictions, arrests and even outstanding warrants. 

Employers should always conduct criminal background checks before hiring new employees. It is important to know if an employee has been convicted of a crime in the past, as this could affect their performance at work and with other employees. When conducting a criminal background check, you should always make sure that the applicant is aware of your intention to do so.

5. Global Sanctions Check in UK

A global sanctions check is a process in which an employer or potential employer runs a background check on an individual across multiple jurisdictions. 

A global sanctions check helps to confirm whether a candidate is mentioned on sanctions watchlists - making compliance with regulations like Anti-Money Laundering act and the Patriot Act even easier than before.

The need for a global sanctions check has risen due to the increase in international travel and business opportunities across multiple country locations. The process of conducting a global sanctions check has become more important as it protects companies from being penalized by the government for breaking international law.