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What your employer will want to see

Identification documents

Before you start working for a new employer they'll probably want proof that you have the right to work in the UK.

You'll need to produce either a document or a combination of documents to confirm you're eligible (for example, a passport, a visa or a work permit if you're a non-national). The employer should tell you which documents you need to show them.

• Find out about proving your right to working in the UK

The documents you need will depend on whether you're a worker, employee or self-employed.

• Guidance on whether you’re a worker, employee or self-employed

References

A job offer may depend on the employer getting a reference from your current employer, and maybe previous employers too.

• Find out more about references and job offers

Types of checks

The types of checks an employer carries out will depend on the job.

Background checks

Where a job is security-related, an employer may want to carry out background checks. For a few financial services roles, these may also cover your credit history. The employer should treat all job applicants in the same way during the recruitment process.

Equal opportunities monitoring

There's no law against collecting information on race and ethnicity when recruiting. Many organisations choose to in order to monitor the effectiveness of their equal opportunities policy.  However, you don't have to give this information if you don't want to.

If you think you're being singled out for more detailed background checks because of your ethnicity, you can complain to an Employment Tribunal under race discrimination laws. An employer mustn't treat you differently because you're 'foreign looking' or have a 'foreign-sounding' name.

• Find out more about racial discrimination

An employer also mustn't treat you differently because of your sex, marital status, sexual orientation or religion. For example, if you're a woman, you shouldn't be asked if you're planning to have children soon, as this could be used to discriminate in favour of a male applicant.

• More about discrimination

Health checks

You may have to have a health check if it's a legal requirement of the job (for example, having an eye test for a job as a driver). You should be told about any health checks in your offer letter.

Your employer may ask for a medical report, but if they want one, they must have policies for keeping it secure.

If you're disabled, your disability shouldn't be used as a reason for singling you out for a health test without good reason. If you are, and you don't get the job as a result, you can complain to an Employment Tribunal. It's unlawful to treat disabled people less favourably because of their disability. This doesn't mean that it will always be unlawful for an employer to ask a disabled person to have a health check, even if other candidates are not asked. It will depend on the nature of your disability and the needs of the job.

• Guidance on declaring your disability

Checking qualifications

If you need particular qualifications, training or licences for a job, your employer may ask for proof that you have them. They should let you know if they're carrying out these checks and if they intend to keep copies of any relevant documents on file.

Criminal records checks

Some employers will want to check whether you have a criminal record. You will have to disclose any convictions if you're applying for a job:

Employers must be registered with the Criminal Records Bureau to carry out criminal records checks. Depending on the level of check, the fee is either £31 or £36. The employer can ask you to meet the cost.

• Criminal Records Bureau website Opens new window

Withdrawing a job offer

An employer can withdraw a job offer even after you've accepted it if any check on you has produced unsatisfactory results, so long as you were made aware before you accepted the job that the offer was on conditions

• More about what happens if an employer withdraws your offer

Data protection issues

Your employer should only get information which is necessary and relevant to the check which they want to carry out. Your employer will also have to make sure that any use of personal information about you complies with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Your employment records must be kept secure and, unless retained in accordance with statutory requirements, be securely disposed of when you leave your employer. You have the right to see any information held on you. An employer must let you see this within 40 days of your request and may charge you a fee of up to £10.

• Find out about the Data Protection Act Opens new window

Where to get help

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) offers free, confidential and impartial advice on all employment rights issues. You can call the Acas help line on 08457 474747 from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday. 

• Acas Opens new window

The Labour Relations Agency (LRA) offers free, confidential and impartial advice on all employment rights issues for residents of Northern Ireland. You can contact the LRA on 028 9032 1442 from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.

• Labour Relations Agency Opens new window

Your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) can provide free and impartial advice. You can find your local CAB office in the phone book or online.

• Find your local Citizens Advice Bureau Opens new window

If you are a member of a trade union, you can get help, advice and support from them.

• Introduction to trade unions

More useful links

• If you want to come to the UK and work find out more Opens new window
• Advice for your employer on making a job offer and pre-employment checks from Business Link Opens new window
• Advice for employers in Northern Ireland on the legal responsibilities when taking on a new employee Opens new window