Do you know whom you’re hiring?

Study reveals that many job applicants have a criminal past

Used car dealers often have a reputation for being crooks, but what about the woman selling shoes in the mall or the accountant at the high powered firm across the street?

A recent study revealed that 8.4 per cent of job applicants had a criminal record, highlighting the need for thorough background checks when hiring new employees.

The study, completed by InfoLink Screening Services and based on all the background checks done by the service in 2004, found that even when applicants were told of the background check and authorized the investigation, many had convictions for felonies including assault with a firearm, sexual abuse, forgery and grand theft by employee.

The food service industry had the highest proportion of applicants with criminal records with 12.4 per cent, followed by retail with 11.7 per cent. Automotive dealers were ranked eighth out of 11 industries with 8.4 per cent of applicants having criminal convictions.

>
Per cent of applicants with criminal records by industry

Automotive dealers

8.4

Business services

10.2

Construction

8.1

Finance

6

Food services

12.4

Health care

5.7

Hospitality

8.6

Manufacturing

9.8

Retail

11.7

Staffing

8.5

Transportation

10.7

To read the full story, login below.

Not a subscriber?

Start your subscription today!