[Cinders]

Hi,

hoping someone could help.

I was wondering if on an application form as a domestic cleaner whether I am allowed to ask candidates if they have any spent convictions.  Technically i dont think im allowed to ask this under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 but wondered whether I would be covered under the Exception Order 1975 because the candidate would be going into clients homes and trusted with their property and keys etc?

Thanks

A 

[Mr BSF]

They dont have to tell you if it is a spent conviction, but of course you can ask the question on your app form, I just ask if they have ever been convicted of a criminal offence, details etc, I also ask if they have ever made a comp claim against a previous employer, if they lie and say no, then they make a claim against your company, it doesnt do them any favours.

getting back to the criminal records thingy..not many people will ever tell you the truth : but you can pay for a search about £30 for normal and £50 for full disclosure, its a waste of dosh if you ask me

regards

BSF

[pdl]

A CRB check is vital if you are going to put domestic cleaners into other peoples homes.  I would check your Insurance as well to see if they specify a CRB Check.

[Cinders]

Thanks for the advice!

The whole CRB thing is an issue too...I have one...but when it comes to employing people its a lot of money for them to spend out and because I am only really just starting out I dont want to pay for one for a new employee for them to leave a couple of weeks later...its something I seriously need to consider and ways of doing this.

Thanks again

A 

[a55essor]

HI
I add a clause in their contract that they have to work for X amount of months if they leave before that they pay me back the cost of CRB.
KL

[Mr BSF]

I think their a waste of money myself, even if the crb check is clear they just might not have been caught.. or they are now a reformed character :

A CRB check is vital if you are going to put domestic cleaners into other peoples homes. I would check your Insurance as well to see if they specify a CRB Check.

I think its just as or even more important to check background if they work in commercial cleaning, but be honest the time they can take, the cost, is it worthwhile..

Insurance, no not in my experience, mine requests that I get the employee 2 complete an application form, I also ask to see proof of address and identity only because i'm nosey. 

Anyway if you really need 2 know if their bent, dont waste your dosh.. you can get them done free if you know the right person    

[Marigold]

Whose the right person?

[Mr BSF]

We all know the right person