A survey has revealed that 89 per cent of undisclosed criminal records have been found on the CVs of temporary workers within the financial services sector.
The research, conducted by City pre-employment screening firm Powerchex, highlights the problem of potential fraud when hiring temporary workers, especially at a time when the UK’s financial firms are increasingly relying on temps to carry out administrative work.
“An army of unchecked workers are potentially inside the nation’s banks and financial institutions,” commented Powerchex managing director Alexandra Kelly. “As our findings show, potential fraudsters are more likely to come in as temps.”
The Financial Services Authority has stated: “There is evidence that organised crime groups deliberately target firms to place staff to commit financial crime, particularly identity theft. Firms must vet staff carefully before confirming their appointment.”