Reference checking nightmare

[Deleted User]

Hi,

I've just had a job offer subject to background check. I've been unemployed for a while and this job is exactly what I wanted, so very keen and very happy. It is in financial sector.

However, the background checks have just started and are really thorough. There is education, old jobs, personal and job references, crb check, finance and credit check, five years of addresses. The process is with a third party. They called me yesterday and said I wasn't on the electoral roll for my current or previous address so had to provide proof in form of bills. Luckily I hadn't shredded my old bills yet and retrieved from bin. But, I am registered and I voted last month, so already I'm wondering where they get their info.

Then later in the day they emailed to say there was an irregularity in a report and they needed a years print outs of my current account statements. Obviously, I want the checks to progress quickly and successfully, so sent them screen dumps from Internet banking (no details of passwords or anything showing) but I was embarrassed to think of someone seeing that I ordered Pizza Hut 5 days in a row or shop at Ann Summers!!! But now after thinking on it for a day, I'm wondering is this really allowed or is it too invasive? They have sent me a list of questions about where did this money come from, what is this payment etc. I think applying for a mortgage was less hard work! I can understand they want good employees that aren't likely to run off with the cash, but am I under obligation to answer?

Hypothetically, say I was a lesbian and had a live in lover who transferred me cash towards mortgage and bills, then I would have to explain this to explain a payment through my account. And why should I have to reveal personal information on my finances that "could" lead me to reveal things that I may not want to. (This is all hypothetical). Could I just say I refuse to answer, but will that then jeopardise my job? As per issue with electoral roll, I'm already having doubts about the companies ability to check properly, and I am 100% sure there are no issues with credit or finance history. I just can't believe checks should be so invasive!

[Deleted User]

Although I failed in a check recently and probably the best thing judging by your post no way would I want to give out so many bank statements, got to say my Hays one was all done within a week with only a couple of obscure questions but definately without the fuss you've encounted, like you say where do you draw the line?

Hopefully this bumps your thread up for someone else more knowledgeable to contribute

[Deleted User]

The job is for a very large multinational, so I'm happy the third party reference firm are legit and won't use my data inappropriately ie sell on or pilfer my account, though I have raised doubts about their ability to my HR contact.

They have asked for more details today and when I queried it they said they wanted to confirm I hadn't lied about being unemployed for so long, but surely they could see if I had been employed via the tax office. Asking why I have paid x person x amount, or received money from someone else just feels intrusive to me and everyone I've mentioned it to feel the same way. I guess in these times people will put up with anything to get a job. Greatful for any advice!

gb12345

Jenangelic wrote: »

The job is for a very large multinational, so I'm happy the third party reference firm are legit and won't use my data inappropriately ie sell on or pilfer my account, though I have raised doubts about their ability to my HR contact.

They have asked for more details today and when I queried it they said they wanted to confirm I hadn't lied about being unemployed for so long, but surely they could see if I had been employed via the tax office. Asking why I have paid x person x amount, or received money from someone else just feels intrusive to me and everyone I've mentioned it to feel the same way. I guess in these times people will put up with anything to get a job. Greatful for any advice!

I've worked for various UK and international banks and insurance companies over the past 20+ years and the most I have ever been asked for is a CRB (or foreign equivalent) check and a credit search. Never been asked for bank statements or had to justify payments made or received.

zugzwang

I've been through this for same reason.

They phoned everyone on my cv without my permission. I wasn't happy.

I don't think they have access to any tax records.

This company will flag any anomalies with your new employer. In my case, my new boss signed off on these things saying he didn't care. Just stuff to do with how long getting references took etc.

But this back ground check is important. You'll be in position of trust with customer financial records etc at some point in your future career with the company, so they do this at the outset. They need to know you aren't some pork pie merchant .

So don't worry about it.

Claree__x

Jenangelic wrote: »

Hypothetically, say I was a lesbian and had a live in lover who transferred me cash towards mortgage and bills, then I would have to explain this to explain a payment through my account.

Why would that be an issue?

"My partner lives with me and s/he transfered me the money to cover bills" - it's hardly a huge embarassment. Now, if you'd signed up to hotmomsxxx.com and that was coming off your account I could see what your problem would be!

[Deleted User]

But this would be flagged up at credit check stage, eg ccjs or bankruptcy, court proceedings etc. I fail to see how checking my current account has any bearing. I think it must be the times, as I've always worked in finance and never had to be so thoroughly vetted. My friend used the equivalent experience as being arrested and audited for tax fraud, having to produce every receipt and bill to prove you are legit! I feel on edge, mainly in case they tell my employer I spend an unhealthy amount of money on Chinese food an takeaway lol!! I'm joking of course, but it really feels too much.

[Deleted User]

Claree__x wrote: »

Why would that be an issue?

"My partner lives with me and s/he transfered me the money to cover bills" - it's hardly a huge embarassment. Now, if you'd signed up to hotmomsxxx.com and that was coming off your account I could see what your problem would be!

Not embarrassing or issue at all. But if its illegal to force someone to reveal sexual preference, ethnicity etc for an interview, then something like asking me to explain why person x is transferring £200 to me every month could be termed an invasion of privacy, ie forcing me to reveal something i didnt wish to. It was just a hypothetical, and that was the example I thought of. Obviously i wouldn't make up a lie and say x owed me money for a holiday (eg) especially if its a regular monthly payment.

gb12345

Claree__x wrote: »

hotmomsxxx.com

Bookmarked for research purposes

tiger_eyes

Hypothetically, if you were in a same-sex relationship and your partner transferred you money every month to cover bills, you could just tell the company that the person is your housemate. You know, hypothetically.

[Deleted User]

Yes. Just find it strange there are so many anti discrimination laws and rules to stop these questions being asked at application and interview stage, and yet in the guise of financial checks, this information "may" have to be disclosed anyway by force...and there are a lot of litigious people out there. Anyway, I've explained a regular payment (it was actually a transfer from my savings account) and assured them I wasn't employed for the period shown and in fact relied on savings and they seem happy with that. I've also asked that all copies of the statements are now destroyed for my peace of mind.