Employee background checks are the first protection tool for businesses of all types and sizes. Screening potential candidates can uncover information they don't reveal in their interviews. Most background checks can search as deep as you'd like and most times they spare business owners the problems of dealing with unruly employees – and even lawsuits. However, no matter how useful and … [Read more...]
Do’s and Don’ts of Employment Background Screening
Companies are always looking for ways to improve their recruiting process, whether it’s by reducing the time it takes to hire someone for a particular role or creating an efficient background screening for potential employees. So, really, recruiting is always an ongoing process. It never really ends if you want to deliver the best recruiting experience for potential candidates, but also for … [Read more...]
New York City Bans Credit Checks For Hiring Decisions
The New York City Council has approved a new bill that will amend the city's current Human Rights Law, making it illegal for employers to request or use a job applicant's credit history as part of their hiring decision. NYC Council members voted 47-3 in favor of the Stop Credit Discrimination in Employment Act on April 16, 2015. According to local news agencies, the bill will take effect 120 … [Read more...]
Amazon Sued For Improper Employment Background Checks
The world's largest online retailer is being sued for its background practices. Earlier this month, plaintiff Gregory Williams filed a class action lawsuit against Amazon, Inc. and a third-party recruitment company, Staff Management Solutions (SMX), alleging they violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) of 1970. The lawsuit, filed in Washington state federal court, alleges Amazon failed to … [Read more...]
Study Reveals Need For Improved FBI Criminal Records
Think the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has the most complete, up-to-date criminal records? Think again. According to a recent study conducted by the Government Accountability Office, the FBI and other government entities can improve their criminal databases by taking certain actions. Most people assume the FBI has the most comprehensive criminal database in the country. After all, this … [Read more...]
Nevada Lawmakers Want To Stop Employment Background Checks
Nevada lawmakers want to put the brakes on mandatory background checks for certain employees. We've covered several stories here on the ARS blog about states pushing for more background checks, but this is one of the first times we've blogged about lawmakers wanting to prohibit the screening of employees. This begs the question: why does Nevada want to stop employment background … [Read more...]
5 Tips To Prevent Workplace Violence
Workplace violence is an issue that all employers must address. Whether you operate a brick-and-mortar retail store, an industrial factory, business-to-business services, or any other local facility, it's your responsibility to create a safe working environment for employees. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) may lack a specific standard for workplace violence, but companies … [Read more...]
Human Trafficking Bill May Include Background Checks
A newly proposed human trafficking bill would likely include provisions to strengthen background check requirements for teachers and other school employees. California Senator George Miller first introduced the Protecting Students from Sexual and Violent Predators Act (H.R.2083) back in May 2013, which would require criminal background checks for school employees. This is currently somewhat of … [Read more...]
Background Checks for Nonprofits
According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS), there are more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations registered in the United States. This includes charities, foundations, fraternities, civic leagues, and similar organizations, all of which operate without generating profit at the end of the year. However, many nonprofits turn a blind eye to the importance of employment … [Read more...]
California Reintroduces Ridesharing Bill
State Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian has reintroduced a bill that would strengthen requirements for ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft operating in California. Ridesharing companies have come under fire in recent years for their lack of safety. Just lack month, an Uber driver was arrested by Boston police and charged with indecent assault and battery against a passenger. In June 2014, a … [Read more...]