Can a recruiter run a credit check on me?

tgroom57

I applied for a local job in financial services, and the recruiter handling it (Reed) called me back and ran through some questions. When we had established I could do the job, he then started saying the company would want to know about any CCJs, criminal convictions or defaults.
I asked what he meant by 'defaults' and he said anything over a couple of thousand in the past 5 years would mean I couldn't be considered for the job.

I didn't like the questions because
1) I know some of it was more than would be shown on a credit check, and
2) I don't feel he is authorised to have that information, even if his client is.
3) A letter from (different company) HR on a previous occasion explained that they looked for IVAs, not 'defaults'. I think they are different.

How much is a recruiter allowed to know, and if he asks for more what should I say?

For the record, I have no CCJs, no criminal convictions, and no IVAs.
And currently, no job.

Loopy_Girl

An IVA is way way worse than a default!!

And in order to be eligible for an IVA, you probably had a few defaults anyway.

If you know you have stuff on your file and know you won't get the job becasue of it, you can decline.

It's pretty common for RA to do credit checks if the employer requests it. You are getting a job via the agency, the employer is paying them so they don't have to wade through all the applicants and if the job requires it then it has to be done

Loopy_Girl

A company issues a default against you if you can't/won't pay.

It stays on your credit file for 6 years and makes it virtually impossible to get credit.

[Deleted User]

tgroom57 wrote: »

I applied for a local job in financial services, and the recruiter handling it (Reed) called me back and ran through some questions. When we had established I could do the job, he then started saying the company would want to know about any CCJs, criminal convictions or defaults.
I asked what he meant by 'defaults' and he said anything over a couple of thousand in the past 5 years would mean I couldn't be considered for the job.

I didn't like the questions because
1) I know some of it was more than would be shown on a credit check, and
2) I don't feel he is authorised to have that information, even if his client is.
3) A letter from (different company) HR on a previous occasion explained that they looked for IVAs, not 'defaults'. I think they are different.

How much is a recruiter allowed to know, and if he asks for more what should I say?

For the record, I have no CCJs, no criminal convictions, and no IVAs.
And currently, no job.

TBH if you want the job you give them access to any info they need,its usualy for a job in finance for an employer to want to know that you have no financial problems,just look on it as a "financial medical" or look for another job.

PipsoG

I think this needs moving to another Board so that you can get a better response - credits checks for employment are not really anything to do with Benefits

lbell_3

All financial services companies will run credit checks on their potential employees, so I'm afraid you'll have to either allow them to do it, or refuse, in which case they will not offer you the job. If you don't think there is anything to worry about, and you're not currently employed then I don't see that you have anything to lose.

tgroom57

PipsoG wrote: »

I think this needs moving to another Board so that you can get a better response - credits checks for employment are not really anything to do with Benefits

Thanks, I can't see how to delete or move.