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Our restaurants, bars and nightclubs are still struggling to recover from the profound impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality and retail industry in 2020. According to recent figures from the sector, around 9 pubs or other hospitality venues are closing every day. It’s a challenging environment for employers, who are trying to remain competitive by cutting their costs, at the same time as trying to deliver a high-quality service with great staff. Recruiting on a tight budget means getting the right people more critical than ever, as a poorly qualified person, or member of staff with a criminal past can cause huge financial or reputation damage to a hospitality business. For all these reasons, hospitality is starting to take background screening more seriously than previously. If you’re thinking of applying for work in a local restaurant or bar, what might you expect from basic identity checking or more detailed background screening?

What to Expect When Applying for Hospitality Work

Cutting costs on background screening in the hospitality sector might seem tempting at first glance for employers. However, CV fraud, questionable social media histories, and hidden criminal backgrounds can pose significant risks. There are also compulsory checks into Right to Work in the UK which all employers in the sector should be doing, with fines for employing illegal workers rising dramatically in 2024.

From an employee’s point of view, the very minimum you should expect in background checking is to be asked for something to prove your nationality, and right to work in the UK. The easiest way to do this is by showing your passport. The hospitality sector has traditionally been the part of the economy which has seen a higher level of illegal workers, given that there are many part-time and casual positions.

Deeper Background Screening

For people applying for a casual or part-time role in their local pub or café, an identity check and verification of their nationality is usually as far as background screening will go. But if someone is applying for a position with a bit more responsibility, such as a shift manager in a restaurant or dealing with hiring other members of staff, a more detailed level of checking can be expected.

Every business will differ in the checks they run and their approach to screening, depending on the risks they think affect them the most. Many organisations will ask for verification of academic qualifications, by asking candidates to bring in exam certificates, or by calling up universities to make sure someone has the degree they are claiming. Hospitality businesses will generally check references, especially from other companies in the same sector.

Social media screening is becoming very common in hospitality, as these checks can reveal the personality of candidates and help management assess whether someone will fit with their team. Before applying for a new position, take an hour to go through your social media accounts. Look at who you follow, what you repost and the pictures you post on your page to make sure you are not raising any red flags for a potential boss.

The Home Office has announced plans to discontinue biometric residence permits (BRPs) and physical immigration documents, as of January 1, 2025. This is a huge change to the way the immigration system works and will affect anyone undergoing identity checks and Right to Work checks to establish their status in the UK.

Many BRPs and biometric residence cards (BRCs) will expire on December 31, 2024, even when the has permission to stay in the UK after that date. This situation is down to post-Brexit issues around encryption of the information held in the documents. The government was expected just to update documents but has opted for a complete shift away from physical immigration documents.

What Documents Are Affected?

The Home Office plans to move to a system of digital recognition of immigration status using a new system called e-Visa. This will replace the following documents:

• Biometric Residence Permits (BRP): Currently held by people with immigration permission longer than six months or those settled in the UK.
• Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs): Held by some EU Settlement Scheme participants.
• Vignette Stickers in Passports: Used for visitor visas for visa nationals and as initial facility for some applicants awaiting their BRP or BRC.
• Stamped Endorsements in Passports: Held by individuals who settled in the UK long ago or had short-term immigration permission (six months or less) given on arrival at the border.

Register Now for Digital Identity and Immigration

During 2024, everybody with these physical documents will need to register for a UKVI account to get an eVisa showing immigration permission. Setting up these accounts allows users to generate a share code and allow employers, landlords and other parties to access their information.

Impact on Right to Work Checks

With the expiry of physical immigration documents at the end of 2024, individuals with limited immigration permission might need to go through the right to work checks again before that date rather than when their permission expires.

Through 2024, employers are being encouraged by the government to identify all workers who this new system applies to and start to reassess their right to work before the December deadline. They are also being asked to help workers with setting up their immigration online account, rather than leaving it to the end of the year when there is likely to be a rush of applicants.

Although the system is set to change at the end of 2024, this is still some time away and there will be a general election at some point in 2024 too, which could change everything. The details of how the system will work are still being ironed out, and employers are encouraged to stay informed and be prepared any challenged towards the end of 2024. There is information on the Home Office section of the government website. The government and other employers’ organisations have also voiced the possibility of running training and information sessions for anyone affected through the rest of 2024.

A new survey by the higher education organisation HEDD has indicated that a staggering 49% of large businesses and 48% of smaller employers have come across candidates who lied about or exaggerated their degree qualifications. It’s a huge issue, and despite the findings, 20% of surveyed employers admitted to not verifying degree qualifications. Those who were checking often relied on conversations with tutors or references supplied by the candidate, while others just assumed that the candidates wouldn’t lie, or decided that someone’s performance in an interview was more important than any qualification anyway.

Other employers are taking the issue of CV fraud more seriously, and it’s becoming increasingly more common to verify academic qualifications as part of pre-employment checks along with basic identity verification and Right to Work Checks, and looking at any gaps in employment.

Legal Consequences of CV Fraud

HEDD, the organisation which brings together all higher education establishments in the UK, has highlighted that anyone who is tempted to lie about having a degree, or who exaggerates their grades, could be open to prosecution by their employer if they are found out once their employment starts. There could also be further implications for employers, especially in sectors such as education, healthcare, or financial services, where someone can only legally be hired into certain roles if they have the right qualifications.

Spotting a Fake Qualification

HEDD’s survey also revealed two broad types of fake qualifications on the market. The first concerns fake universities which are set up online to provide degree certificates to anyone who wants one, for a fee. A bit of research online into the institution which claims to have awarded the degree should easily reveal if it is a genuine university or not. Fake universities will generally not have postal addresses, no campus, no staff lists and will not be accredited by government or other similar body. The other type of fraud is harder to detect, as a candidate will claim a degree or other qualification from a UK university which we are all familiar with. Although the institution might be genuine the student either never attended, was on a different course, or got a lower grade than they have stated.

Checking Up on Academic Qualifications

There is now a service available from HEDD which allows any employer to log into a website and check the academic qualifications of a job applicant. This costs from £14 per person and many companies have already started to incorporate these checks into their standard background screening. Almost 500 UK universities and colleges are part of the system, which also helps employers check up on known bogus colleges. The website will confirm the dates of study, qualification awarded and the grade if relevant.

It’s easier than ever for employers to check what you are telling them on your CV is true. Don’t be tempted to tweak your grades to make yourself more attractive to employers as it’s getting more likely than ever that you’ll be found out.

Right to Rent checks are an essential legal requirement for letting agents and landlords in England. The identity checks are deigned to make sure that tenants are in the UK legally. The initiative was introduced by the Home Office and at present only applies in England, with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland exempt from Right to Rent checks. If you are thinking of moving into a rented property in England for any reason, you should be prepared to go through a Right to Rent check first. Here’s what to expect.

Process For Right to Rent Checks

Letting agents and landlords must run checks on all prospective tenants aged 18 and over. They may ask to see original forms of ID such as a passport, ask tenants to log into an approved identity service provider (IDSPs), or use the Home Office’s share code system for tenants born outside the UK. If the tenant is on a visa which is time limited, such as a student visa, the landlord or letting agent must repeat the checks to ensure their tenant still remains legally allowed to rent.

Tenants who have either a British or Irish passport can use an online Identity Service Provider or IDSP to confirm their identity. This service involves setting up an account, and then using key biometric details in passports or other key identity documents to verify who someone is. Tenants from countries outside the UK or Ireland can generate a share code from the Home Office and this will give the landlord real-time information about their immigration status.

Right to Rent for Overseas Tenants

It is common for landlords to agree to a tenancy in principle for overseas tenants, subject to an ID check upon arrival in the UK and confirmation of their legal Right to Rent. People who are moving to the UK for work and study should therefore make sure of their legal rights and status before paying out any deposits and other fees to letting agents as they may lose money if they cannot prove their immigration status.

Many tenants in the private rented sector are only allowed to be in the UK for a limited time, perhaps as a student. Landlords must repeat checks to make sure that their tenants remain legally int the UK for the duration of their tenancy. If a tenant loses their right to live in the UK, landlords or letting agents have no option but to end the tenancy and give them a minimum of 28 days to leave.

Advice for Navigating Right to Rent

There is no getting around Right to Rent checks and there is lots of information online about the system and how it works. The best advice for any tenant is to respond to any requests for information as quickly and accurately as possible. Your landlord or letting agent should be able to guide you through the system. Remember also that identity checks are only part of the process, which might also include credit checks and references from previous landlords.

As England progressed through the European football championships, the interest around their success grew. The betting industry has reported a dramatic increase in the number of gambling customers requesting identity verification. Between June 14 and 16, popular online gambling sites experienced a 750% surge in new customers requesting to verify their identity and open a new account. June 14, the opening day of Euro 2024, marked the busiest sign-up day, surpassing verification volumes for new customers during the 2022 World Cup.

Why Do Gambling Companies Verify My Identity?

In the UK, gambling is restricted to adults over the age of 18. This law applies whether you are going into a physical bookmakers’ and filling in a betting slip, or placing your bets online. Asking potential customers to go through an identity verification helps to ensure that underage people are not allowed to gamble. It can also deal with other problems such as people setting up multiple accounts, money laundering, or exploiting the sign-up bonus amounts which websites often promote to new customers only. Industry experts have also warned that the sheer number of people who are trying to set up new accounts during major sporting events such as the Olympics or Euro 2024 can overwhelm the system. This is especially the case on the smaller websites which are not geared up for dealing with hundreds of new sign-ups.

Underage gambling appears to be a growing issue in he UK. A recent report from a credit referencing and identity verification agency revealed that 26% of 11-17 year olds gambled illegally in 2023. The government has imposed strict regulation on the online gambling industry, requiring proper identity verification before anyone can access their account. This even applies to free access games which do not require money to play.

How Identities are Verified for Online Gambling Portals

The legislation states that online gambling companies must verify the identity of customers, but doesn’t say exactly how they should go about doing this. Each website will have its own rules and processes, but some of the most common things you might come across are:

• Online identity verification – this is similar to the process you go through when applying for a passport online, or when verifying your identity for a DBS check or to apply for Benefits. You are directed to a trusted third-party provider to complete the required steps.
• Data Analysis – the website has software and technology to monitor patterns of behaviour and immediately block accounts thought to be suspicious.
• Blockchain – this is similar to the technology used in cryptocurrency. It lets users verify their age without entering other personal details into the site.
• Biometrics – customers have to use their facial features or fingerprints to access the website, making it difficult to share accounts.
• Geolocation – this software makes sure that you are located in a country where gambling is legal.
• Data brokers – some websites work with agencies which can access public records such as electoral rolls or credit records. This provides another layer of authentication for users.

A recent investigation by a property website has revealed that landlords are experiencing a significant surge in fraudulent tenancy applications, raising concerns about the reliability of tenants in terms of rent payment. The investigation showed that fraudulent tenancy applications have increased by 153%, with fraudsters using fake documents and paperwork to get round the standard identity checks which are legally required to rent a property in the UK. This rapid rise in fraud in the sector has implications for both landlords and tenants.

Right to Rent Checks

The increase in tenancy fraud comes at a challenging time for the private rented sector. Demand for rented property has never been higher, and available housing stock is dwindling. Landlords are legally required to make sure that the person they are renting to is in the UK legally, by looking at their passport and any visa restrictions which they have. Tenant referencing is a more detailed level of checking which typically also involves checks into credit history, employment, and references from former landlords. This more detailed vetting is a crucial tool for landlords to assess the suitability of prospective tenants. However, the rise in fraudulent applications has prompted some landlords to start using even more stringent measures, such as requesting additional information like photos, CVs, and character references, to make more informed decisions about the people they are dealing with.

Landlords have to stay within the law with their checks on prospective tenants and are not allowed to discriminate against people on the basis of a protected characteristic such as age, sex or race. Often, it’s advisable to use the services of a letting agent who will keep you on the right side of the law.

Implications for Tenants

This rise in fraudulent tenancy applications not only puts landlords at financial risk but also creates additional challenges anyone who is thinking about renting from a private landlord. As landlords become more cautious in their referencing processes, the competition for rental properties intensifies. Housing charities have raised concerns that these changes will potentially disadvantage tenants who rely on housing benefits.

If you are applying to rent a property, be prepared for a higher level of checking that any which you might have gone through previously. Landlords and agencies representing them need to make sure that the people they are dealing with are genuine tenants and not fraudsters with no intention of ever paying the rent.

Get prepared before visiting the letting agent or phoning the tenant. You will be asked to provide your key identity documents such as passport or driving licence, so make sure you know where to find them. Speak to your current landlord and ask whether they would be happy to give you a reference and get their name and contact details to pass on. Look at your credit report online to make sure there is nothing in there which could raise red flags about your ability to pay your rent each month. Think about asking a trusted friend or family member whether they would be prepared to act as a guarantor to strengthen your application even further.

It’s perhaps not surprising that background vetting and identity checks for positions working in the government are standard practice. Most civil servants and other public workers will have some sort of background checking, with the most senior or sensitive roles having very in-depth vetting which can take several weeks or months to get through.

Government security clearance comes in four levels, each tailored to specific job requirements, especially for roles handling sensitive information on a daily basis. If you are thinking of applying for a role in these fields, then the advert will usually clearly state which level of vetting is required.

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Enhanced Baseline Standard (EBS)

Although not legally mandated, BPSS and EBS the basic level of background checking and vetting. These checks don’t just apply for those working in government roles and are often used in the security industry for cash in transit drivers or bouncers. These checks provide an overview of an individual’s suitability for their role and serve as entry-level security measures. Anyone applying for a job in government will have at least this basic level of identity and background checking to confirm basic details about their identity, experience, qualifications, and criminal record.

Counter Terrorist Check (CTC)

Counter terrorist checks are essential for individuals in roles where sensitive information is at risk of compromise. The idea of these checks is to look more deeply at someone’s background, family, and friends, to find anyone who may be vulnerable to pressure from terrorist organisations. Though these checks take approximately six months to complete, they are seen as essential for national security. Valid for three years, CTC clearance may involve an interview and a requirement for the individual to have been a UK resident for a minimum of three years.

Security Clearance (SC)

Applicants for jobs requiring Security Clearance have to be resident in the UK for a minimum of five years. Government contractors must also renew this clearance every five years, while permanent employees with significant access to private or top-secret assets renew every ten years. Security clearance is usually concerned with criminal record checking and looking at potential links through family or friends to people of concern.

Developed Vetting

The most detailed level of checking, this is reserved for roles with substantial unsupervised access to top-secret assets in intelligence or security agencies. These checks involve a thorough investigation into an individual’s past, personal and professional life, as well as their educational and employment history.

Importance of Government Clearance

The level of vetting required will depend on the job. For the most sensitive roles, the detail of checking and questions asked can feel intrusive. Some government vetting involves giving details of friends and family, and detailed questioning about lengthy periods which you have spent overseas. Applicants are usually called for interview with the vetting officers and asked to clarify any points of confusion. The best advice is to be honest, don’t tell lies on your CV and cooperate fully with the screening.

The typical home buyer in the UK spends approximately 4.7 hours, equivalent to 282 minutes of working time, doing all of the paperwork associated with face-to-face verification of their identity and the signing of contracts and other paperwork. A recent study puts the time lost over excessive paperwork at over 360,000 lost hours in a month. Although some level of identity checking is essential in any large financial transaction, there is a growing school of thought that something needs to be done to streamline the process for both buyers and sellers.

Time Commitment for House Buying

Based on responses from 1,000 adults who purchased a home in the UK over the last three years, the study revealed that 64% of buyers had to physically go into the mortgage broker or bank to sign documents. Approximately 57% had face to face appointments with solicitors or visited a conveyancer to prove their identity and allow their documents to be inspected. Nearly half of the respondents also needed to have a witness to physically countersign contracts. The study also noted that about 11% of home buyers lose a day’s worth of working time due all of these visits to various offices to provide paperwork.

Digital Identity Verification

The research highlighted a continuing strong demand for the government to introduce digital IDs that bring driving licence information, passports, tax records, and qualifications into a single digital space, with 61% of people answering the survey saying that they would support the introduction of this sort of digital system.

Although online portals for identity verification have been available for some time, the report suggests that these have not been fully integrated into the conveyancing process. In 2022, HM Land Registry set new standards for digital ID verification, followed by standards for electronic signatures a year ago which should abolish the need for all these visits to offices to sign paperwork. However, the adoption of online tools in home buying has been slower than anticipated.

User-Friendly Identity Verification

The Deputy Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Land Registrar at HM Land Registry stated that there was widespread demand for secure and convenient online identity verification solutions and said that the government had introduced online portals to meet these needs. Some of the larger mortgage providers and financial services companies, such as NatWest, are already allowing people to verify their identity using existing banking logins a system which covers around 46 million UK residents.

If you are thinking about buying a property or taking out a new mortgage on an existing property, then ask your chosen solicitor conveyancer about their chosen methods for verifying your identity. If you don’t want to have to make repeated visits during work time, then don’t be afraid to ask the questions of your mortgage brokers or conveyancers about doing the paperwork online rather than in person. If conveyancers start to perceive that there is increased demand for online services, more will start to provide them, making the process quicker for all buyers and sellers.

It’s no secret that people lie on their CV. Some will just exaggerate their responsibilities a little, others will tell much bigger lies about previous employers or will fake educational qualifications. Employers are frequently shocked by just how many fake university degrees and other qualifications appear on candidates’ applications. Most employers have recognised the benefits of a rigorous pre-employment screening programme, which checks the facts on applications, runs identity checks on applicants and looks at issues such as social media profiles and quality of references to make sure the person hired is genuine and reliable.

Degree Mills

Degree mills are businesses which set themselves up online to falsely claim that they are a proper higher education institution. People who “enrol” with these websites can order academic diplomas and degree certificates, for a fee. These mills often require no actual academic study, attendance at lectures or submission of any coursework. Their websites might look official and professional, as do the degree certificates and academic transcripts which they issue. However, delve a bit deeper and you will see that they are not accredited by any official body.

Spotting a Degree Mill Certificate

It can be difficult to spot false academic qualifications, especially when dealing with overseas students who are claiming to have graduated in their home country. In the UK, it is simple enough to call up a university or college and get confirmation of study dates and class of degree. There are however certain factors which should raise flags about a qualification not being all that it seems. These include:

• Any degree certificate or institution website which emphasises “life experience” or a similar term as the basis for the awarding of a degree.
• Address – any legitimate institution will list its full postal address on their website, along with email and phone numbers for contact. Any address which is just a PO Box number should be treated with suspicion.
• Speed of completion – most university level degree courses take at least three years. If a candidate is claiming that their studies were tailored around their preferences and took less than a year to complete, this should be investigated further.
• No exams – degree mills will generally offer degrees without exams or coursework. Also check whether the website mentions any members of staff whose names can be verified as working there.
• Fees – most universities will charge fees per year, per semester or per class taken. Degree mills will just offer a flat charge for each degree.
• Lack of accreditation from governments, education departments and other official bodies.

Academic Screening

The only way to weed out applicants who may have been tempted to buy their qualifications from a fake online university is to have a strong screening process. Never take anything you are told at face value and always take other steps to verify that the institution is genuine, and that the person you are talking about employing was really a student there. A bit of work before hiring someone will save a lot of time and expense in the long run.