Why you should hire a screening service for pre employment background screening

A lawsuit was filed back in July 2013 against Swift Transportation of Arizona for improper pre employment background screening practices. The class-action suit was filed by several truck drivers, including James Ellis III, who complained that Swift Transportation violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act by failing to disclose that credit checks and criminal record checks would be conducted. Ellis also alleged that Swift disqualified him from candidacy without providing notice of problems in his credit report. At the end of April 2014, Swift Transportation agreed to settle the lawsuit to the tune of $4.4 million. Up to 10,000 drivers may be affected by the settlement. Without candidates’ express written permission, it is unlawful for companies to conduct credit checks. Even with the candidate’s permission, the prospective employee has the right to review and dispute inaccuracies, under the FCRA. Because of the influx of lawsuits targeting businesses that do not comply with the FCRA, it has become more and more necessary for companies to hire a pre employment background screening service instead of conducting matters internally.

• Background screening companies, such as Mind Your Business, keep up to date with all laws in order to keep your business from getting sued. They also ensure that you comply with all pre employment background screening laws, including providing explicit notice that checks will be conducted, and allowing candidates to view a copy of any reports that may be used in the qualification or disqualification of a potential employee.

• Independent screening companies are less likely to make mistakes such as calling up information about the wrong person with the same name, as they have the time and resources to do pre employment background screening correctly. When companies try to conduct their own screening processes with their limited resources, costly mistakes can be made.

• Not all screening companies are equal, however. Do your research before you choose one; make sure the company you choose is certified by the NAPBS and BBB. Mind Your Business is accredited by both organizations.