Employers worldwide include criminal background check questions to verify the applicants’ criminal records in their employment applications.
A criminal background check of prospective hires helps firms vetting job applicants’ antecedents during the hiring process. Here are 10 points to consider:
1. Why do firms undertake a ‘criminal record check’?
Problems can arise when after the selection process, the hired employee indulges in activities antithetical to good conduct and acceptable workplace behavior, manifested in workplace violence, sexual misconduct, financial malfeasance, theft, etc.
The inclusion of criminal background check questions protects firms from claims arising from hiring done without due process. There are instances of firms having hired without the required due diligence of criminal background checks and the offending employee when asked to leave, slapping the firm with large damages claims and, often, even retention claims.
