Businesses advised to obtain applicants' CVs

Businesses that are recruiting staff should always ask for applicants' CVs unless they want to expose themselves to extra risk if legal action is subsequently taken against them.

According to a recent survey by Salford-based law firm ELAS, nearly half the small firms questioned failed to ask for a CV when hiring a new employee, preferring to rely on personal recommendation or 'gut reaction'.

However, keeping an applicant's basic employment details on file (either a CV or application form), protects the business in two ways:

• firstly, when an employer is seeking to dismiss an employee who has lied to secure the job, the CV will be clear evidence of the skills and qualifications the applicant disclosed; and
• secondly, where an employee (or potential employee) brings a discrimination claim against the business, the fact that the business has requested a CV will form part of its evidence that it has followed the appropriate procedures, and will assist its case in defending such a claim.

Immediate

For general guidance, download the Acas booklet on Recruitment and induction www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=744