Employers: Check the Law Before Checking an Applicant’s Background

Employers: Check the Law Before Checking an Applicant’s Background

Employers: Check the Law Before Checking an Applicant’s Background

A poor hiring decision can vex an employer for a long time. As a result, employers are using preemployment background checks as an easy and cost effective way to get to know candidates, head off problems before they arise, and minimize the risk associated with a new hire. Utah’s Employment Selection Procedures Act prohibits an employer from requesting a job applicant’s Social Security number, date of birth, or driver’s license number unless the request is applicable to all applicants and will be used by the employer to obtain a credit history subject to the FCRA or to review internal records to determine whether the applicant previously applied for employment or was previously employed. Employers can use this information only to determine whether to hire a job applicant.

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