This on-line database was established at the end of May 2008. It is a privately run subscription service which has been set up to provide information about individuals who have been dismissed for theft or dishonesty. Access is restricted to subscribing organisations only (despite the description "national register").
The database is not limited to those convicted of theft/dishonesty. It will contain details of individuals dismissed for alleged stealing or fraud or for damaging the organisation's property even if there have been no criminal proceeedings. In addition it will include employees who resigned before the disciplinary hearing.
Is there a need for such a register to protect future employers who otherwise may unwittingly recruit a dishonest individual? Is this in the public interest and should there be a public register? There is no publicly maintained register of people with criminal convictions which is available generally, although the Criminal Records Bureau can be consulted for details of criminal convictions in cases where a person will be working with children or vulnerable adults.
Is it right that this new database is not limited to those convicted in a criminal court following a fair trial? Is it fair that a potentially innocent person may be deprived of their ability to earn a living by these means or have their job freedom severely curtailed?
What other steps can organisations take to protect themselves at the recruitment stage? If references are requested, including from recent employers, how accurate or reliable are these? Do they tell the full story or are references now usually written in bland terms to avoid any legal challenge by the subject?
Does the register give rise to concerns about data protection? What if the information is inaccurate or the alleged offence cannot be shown to be substantiated? Could this result in users of the register facing legal action by the individual?
Would your organisation support and make use of this new register?