Changes in Right To Work Checks

The government recently announced an overhaul in the right to work checks process. Employers do these checks on new people applying to work for them. It is a legal requirement to check that people working in the UK are here legally and have the right to work. The new checking rules came into force at the end of January 2019. What's Changing in Right to Work Checks? The changes are being made to try to simplify the process. An online checking service has been around since April 2018, but until now employers have still had to see paper documents. Usually, applicants bring their passports to interviews for checking. Employers must see either a European Union passport, or a visa giving right to work. Under the new system, some employers won't…
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First Year of Basic DBS Checks

Until September 2017, the only way of getting basic DBS checks in England and Wales was to go through Disclosure Scotland. But for the last year, the DBS has been taking over the responsibility from their Scottish colleagues. Now, individuals can apply directly through DBS. Although the system has just celebrated its first birthday, thousands of people have already applied for their basic DBS checks. So if you're thinking of joining them, here's what you need to know. What are Basic DBS Checks? There are three levels of DBS check. These are the sorts of checks which were previously called Criminal Records Bureau, or CRB checks. A basic DBS check is the least detailed level of checking. A certificate will show cautions and convictions on the police computer which are…
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Telling Lies on A CV?

It's no secret that the job market is increasingly competitive. With lots of people chasing one position, it can be tempting to tell a white lie or two on your CV. Employers aren't really going to ask to see your certificates, are they? Or pick up the phone to an ex-employer to clarify a job title? Well, the situation is that yes they can, and yes they do. Around 10% of people admit to telling lies on a CV. The true figure is probably quite a bit higher. Most Common Lies on a CV One of the major job websites did some research into the most common fibs on a candidate's CV. If you've told fibs about any of the following, you're not alone. Exaggerating education - Don't be tempted…
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Working as a Lifeguard – Easy Way to Earn Cash?

Working as a lifeguard seems to be the ideal summer job. Surely all you have to do is sit in that special chair, enjoying the sunshine and keeping an eye on swimmers in the pool? Well, there's a bit more to it than that, but it is a great job for anyone who likes being outside. Swimming pools, theme parks and holiday sites take on extra staff over the summer months, and they're starting to look now. You've not left it too late if you fancy a summer swimming pool job, but you need to start applying now. Working as a Lifeguard - the Basics Let's get one thing straight. Put all ideas of Baywatch firmly from your mind. Being a lifeguard isn't about looking great in a red swimsuit…
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NHS Identity Checks

The NHS is the UK's largest employer. Around 1.7 million people work for the health service, in all parts of the country. Most are employed in hospitals or health centres, but the NHS also employs thousands of back office and administration staff. Such a high number of employees means a constant turnover of staff. If you're thinking of a career change in 2019 then could the NHS be the answer? There are a few hurdles to get past first, such as the identity checks. These are standard, and nothing to be scared of. However, it makes sense to understand what you're being asked, and why. Identity Checks - A Standardised Procedure As the NHS is such a huge employer, they have drawn up some standard guidelines to make sure everyone…
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Adult care jobs

The UK's ageing population is constantly in the headlines. We're all living longer, mostly due to medical advances which keep us healthy. Government statistics estimate that by 2041, there will be 20.4 million people over the age of 65 in the UK. That's over a quarter of the total population. Although many older people live independent lives, some need a bit of additional help with everyday tasks. That's where the adult care industry comes in. There is an army of workers looking after older people, and if you're thinking of joining them, here's everything you need to know about the adult care industry. Types of adult care jobs The jobs which immediately spring to mind when talking about adult care are nursing jobs. It's certainly true that many more nurses…
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What checks can employers legally make?

From an employer's point of view, taking on new staff can be difficult. It takes a long time to advertise, interview and make sure you're getting the right person for the job. If you're on the applicant's side of the table, it can seem like employer checks take forever. This can be frustrating, especially if you need to wait for your employer to finish checks before you can start. The law requires some checks, whereas others are at the discretion of the employer. Employer Checks - the Legalities There are a few checks on workers that your employer has to do in order to comply with the law. This mainly concerns illegal working. Anyone taking on new employees in the UK has to make sure that the applicant is here…
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Spotting Counterfeit Documents

The very first part of the process to apply for a DBS check, previously known as a CRB check, is to prove who you are. This is an important step in order to make sure checks are being run on the right person. The employer checks documents like driving licence or passport to confirm your identity. It's vital that this part of the process runs smoothly. However, there is a growing issue with counterfeit documents being provided, for all manner of reasons. Are you confident that you could spot forgeries if someone presents them to you? Most Common Counterfeit Documents Anything and everything can be forged by the determined counterfeiter. If you're the person responsible for checking documents, you're not expected to be a forgery expert either. It does however…
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Getting work as a Taxi Driver

At any time of year, but particularly at Christmas, everyone would like to earn a bit of extra cash. The trick is finding work which you can slot around your other employment or study. Work as a taxi driver seems like the obvious solution, with demand peaking at weekends and in the evenings. It's not as simple as getting in your car and starting to pick up fares though. Entry Requirements for Work as a Taxi Driver As you might expect, you'll need a full UK driving licence to even start looking for work as a taxi driver. Your licence doesn't have to be free of points. If you're approaching taxi companies for work as a driver, a clean licence is going to stand you a better chance of getting…
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Speeding Up Your CRB Check

Are you a patient person? Although it's often said that if there were an Olympic medal in queuing the Brits would win the gold, nobody likes being kept hanging around. This is particularly true when dealing with paperwork. Bureaucratic wheels often grind slowly. If you're waiting for a CRB check to be processed in order to start work, each day which ticks past is money lost. Luckily, we've got a few tips and tricks to speed things up a little. CRB Check - The Pitfalls Understanding why checks can take a long time will help speed your application along. For a start, although most of us still talk about Criminal Records Bureau checks (CRB), this organisation was replaced by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in 2012. Don't waste your…
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