Background check refused

avonlea

Hi! I am the accounting coordinator for a small financial planning software company in rural Western MD and I also have a small part in our HR management. We are recently looking into implementing background checks as part of the hiring process for job applicants. Can someone tell me if it is legal to choose not to hire a job applicant because they refused to allow a background check to be done?

Rockie

Not only is it legal, it would be advisable.

All of our new hires are required to pass a successful background check and this is so indicated in their letter of hire.

If I had anyone who refused to complete an authorization to conduct a background check, I'd pass on them.

cbourb

I am not an attorney...however I will tell you that I have never heard of this being an issue. What I would suggest is that you have a consent form to do background checks in your application. If the person refuses to complete the consent form, then I would not proceed to the interview process.

dchr9203

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 10-29-04 AT 08:30AM (CST)[/font][br][br]Yes it is. Make it clear in your offers and other documentation (i.e. employment guide, P&P's) that they employment is contingent upon it.

POPEYE

Ditto, ditto, ditto. dchr had the key. Always insert "contingent upon successful completion of -------" in all offers but make sure you are consistent with all offers.