Why pre-employment checks are important

Pre-employment checks are an important part of the recruitment process. They help you to:

• comply with the law by ensuring the employee has permission to work - and remain - in the UK and has not been barred from carrying out the job – e.g. for roles working with vulnerable groups or holding the position of director.
• check that the potential employee is suitably qualified or skilled for the job.
• assess whether the potential employee is suitable for the job – e.g. for roles working with vulnerable groups or security roles.
• check that the employee is physically able to carry out the job - though you must ensure you do not discriminate.

You must ensure your checks are not discriminatory (for example, a health check that discriminates against disabled people and is not necessary for the job) and do not discourage people from applying for the job.

You can make any job offer conditional on the outcome of pre-employment checks.

A conditional job offer does not become a binding employment contract until both parties have agreed to it and can be withdrawn if the conditions are not met.

You should carry out your checks as quickly as possible once a conditional offer has been made.