Access N.I

puppetmaster00

Hi, wasn't sure if I should post this here or in the Jobs sections, but I was just wondering if anyone has ever had to go through an Enhanced Access N.I certificate ?? I'm looking a bit of advice if possible.

My partner was offered a job on January 28th, handed his security forms in the next day. The forms went to Access N.I straight away. After a few weeks, my partner called to get an update - Access N.I said the forms were still sitting with the police, and gave him an escalation number. He rang this, to be told that the police can hold for 60 days before returning to Access N.I. He called again today and got told by a different chap that they try to stick to the 60 days, but it can also take even longer.

I'm just wondering if anyone else who has gone through an enhanced one has had this long a wait ? The police have held it for 50 days now, but it's quite alarming to now be told that they can hold it for ever longer. There is nothing to disclose on the certificate - he has never even so much as been talked to by the police, yet they just keep saying this is process and don't appear to be very helpful.
My partner was made redundant in 2012 and has been in temporary work ever since and is due to finish his latest assignment this Friday. The Access N.I is for a permanent job, so we are both wanting to get this sorted ASAP.

I do apologise for waffling on, just wanted to know if this is the norm for anyone else that has had it done? Thanks in advance !

BigAl94

This sounds wrong and is way outside the normal times, current position stated here http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/information-and-services/employment/employment-terms-and-conditions/starting-a-new-job/accessni-criminal-record-checks/accessni-turnaround-times.htm


Perhaps a visit to your local MP or MLA's office with this issue might be in order.

rolo1_2

Exactly! - Go to your MP or MLA

they should be able to sort it (that's what they are paid for) especially when you mention a full-time job is at stake

donnac2558

A woman who came to the same computer class as me had to renew her one last year. It took so long she lost the job!!!! The company just contacted her and said they were sorry but the post had to be filled and had been offered to someone else. I cannot remember how long she waited but it was a long time and hers was just a renewal.

ladeeda

I have to get an enhanced check done every time I change contract, or agency. 3 so far this year. Two took slightly over 3 weeks and one I don't have back yet. 6 weeks and counting. Given that each app contains the same information and the same checks are done it can be exasperating waiting for them. I have never lost a position or heard of any one else losing a job because of the wait. Employers and agencies realise that it's largely out of your control.

puppetmaster00

Hello, thank you for your responses, I appreciate it.
We have contacted a local MLA who we have a meeting with on Monday in order to discuss the case. Hopefully they can hurry this along, as my partner is now officially unemployed again as of today!
Many thanks!

BigAl94

If your partner is unemployed because of this system failure a call to Stephen Nolan might do no harm!