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Types of checks

An employer may need to carry out certain checks before you start work.

Identification documents

Before you start working for a new employer they will probably want proof that you have the right to work in the UK.

You will need to produce either a document or a combination of documents to confirm you are eligible, eg a passport, a visa or a work permit if you are a non-national. Your employer should tell you which documents you need to show them.

• Permission to work in the UK

References

A job offer may depend on the employer getting a reference from your current employer, and maybe previous employers too.

• References and job offers

Background checks

Where a job is security-related, an employer may want to carry out background checks. For a few financial services roles, these may also cover your credit history. The employer should treat all job applicants in the same way during the recruitment process.

Equal opportunities monitoring

There is no law against collecting information on race and ethnicity when recruiting. Many organisations choose to in order to monitor the effectiveness of their equal opportunities policy. However, you don't have to give this information if you don't want to.

An employer also mustn't treat you differently because of your sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation or religion.

• Discrimination at work

Health checks

You may have to have a health check if it's a legal requirement of the job (for example, having an eye test for a job as a driver). You should be told about any health checks in your offer letter.

Your employer may ask for a medical report, but if they want one, they must have policies for keeping it secure.

If you are disabled, your disability should not be used as a reason for singling you out for a health test without good reason. If you are, and you don't get the job as a result, you may be able to complain to an Employment Tribunal. It's unlawful to treat disabled people less favourably because of their disability. This doesn't mean that it will always be unlawful for an employer to ask a disabled person to have a health check, even if other candidates are not asked. It will depend on the nature of your disability and the needs of the job.

• Recruitment questions about health and disability (disabled people section)

Checking qualifications

If you need particular qualifications, training or licences for a job, your employer may ask for proof that you have them. They should let you know if they are carrying out these checks and if they intend to keep copies of any relevant documents on file.

Criminal records checks

Some employers will want to check whether you have a criminal record. You will have to disclose any convictions if you are applying for a job:

• as an accountant or barrister
• in the police
• working with children or vulnerable adults
• relating to the administration of justice or financial regulation
  

Employers must be registered with the Criminal Records Bureau to carry out criminal records checks. There is a fee and your employer could ask you to meet the cost.

• Criminal record checks: an introduction

Withdrawing a job offer

If any check on you has produced unsatisfactory results, an employer can withdraw a job offer even after you have accepted it. This applies so long as you were made aware before you accepted the job that the offer was on conditions.

• References and job offers

Data protection issues

Your employer should only get information which is necessary and relevant to the check which they want to carry out. Your employer will also have to make sure that any use of personal information about you complies with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Your employment records must be kept secure and, unless retained in accordance with statutory requirements, be securely disposed of when you leave your employer. You have the right to see any information held on you. An employer must let you see this within 40 days of your request and may charge you a fee.

• Data Protection - find out more Opens new window

Where to get help

Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) offers free, confidential and impartial advice on all employment rights issues or your can visit the employment contacts section for more useful contacts.

• Acas contact details

• Employment contacts

If you are a member of a trade union, you can get help, advice and support from them.

• Trade unions