Is an employer allowed to reject you if you have a low credit score?

SapphireFlames

One of my former colleagues is currently looking for a new job. He found a position as an IT developer but he was turned down due to having a low credit score. It sounded as if they were going to offer him the job, but they turned him down after doing a credit search.

Is it legal for employers to do this? I could understand if it was a job that involved handling money, but this is for a back-office programming job. I'm not sure what company or industry it is, though. I'm aware that in the banking industry, you cannot get a job if you are bankrupt. But does this law also extend to people with low credit ratings?

dmg24

You can get a job in the banking industry if bankrupt, it all depends on individual circumstances.

There is no law that says someone cannot be refused a job due to having a low credit score. In an IT role he may have access to sensitive information, and a low credit score would mean he is deemed to be a high risk.

T800

Many security/police related jobs will turn people with poor credit records away.

pineapplefish75

I work in that area & we have bankcrupts & people with low scores never been a problem as long as they up front about it.

SarEl

SapphireFlames wrote: »

Is it legal for employers to do this?

Well, it isn't illegal I'm afraid. It is only illegal to refuse a job to them on the basis of an unlawful discrimination - sex, race age etc. But it's perfectly legal to refuse someone a job because you don't like the colour they dyed their hair, an adverse credit score, or any other reason they can dream up.