A background check verifies selected information about a candidate before employment.
A reference can confirm the job someone held or the dates they worked there. A criminal record check draws on a different record. For roles in England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service offers different levels of check, and eligibility for a more detailed check depends on the role. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate arrangements. An employer that mentions screening in a vacancy should therefore be read for the particular checks it specifies.
In job listings
Harrods explained why it screened candidates for a retail supervisor post at Gatwick. Obtaining an airside pass required both satisfactory references covering the previous five years and a criminal record check. The two requirements belong to this airport role. Search local jobs for “retail supervisor”.
