B& q and crb checks

[lowvoltage]

Up to recently I used to work for a kitchen fitter who says that B&Q want all sub contractors to be CRB checked and carry one of thier ID cards.

They also said that it is non negotiable.

Though I have ben CRB checked and have no problem, its the fact that B&Q want us to carry one of their ID cards.

Thoughts.

 

[Risteard]

Up to recently I used to work for a kitchen fitter who says that B&Q want all sub contractors to be CRB checked and carry one of thier ID cards.

They also said that it is non negotiable.

Though I have ben CRB checked and have no problem, its the fact that B&Q want us to carry one of their ID cards.

Thoughts.

Have they any legitimate reason for requesting for a Criminal Record Bureau check? I can't see how it is relevant to working at B&Q. Unless they have a very good reason then it should be challenged as unlawful.

 

[Spudnik]

To honest, i dont think you have much say as you are a representing them, regardless of the fact you are in effect subbying.

I do subbying for a small local firm and they ask me to wear one of their company shirts.

It doesnt bother me but i know not everyone will feel the same.

All IMHO.

 

[ian.settle1]

Last thing B & Q would want is to someone who has a criminal record working for them who while doing the work cases the property and later breaks into a property and gets caught.

It is now becoming more common to have a back round check by companies depending upon the work they do.

I personally have had 2 in depth security checks one for working on Royal Navy vessels and the other for working in the nuclear industry and was not bothered with either, so unless you have something to hide then just let them as it can also open a lot of doors with future employers.

 

[Darkwood]

I had to have one to work in a school regardless of the fact it was the 6 weeks holiday, its just red tape and more money to the bankrupt goverment

 

[Spudnik]

Do you have to pay for CRB checks or the employer?

 

[acat]

If you have nothing to hide who cares and is it not an excellent selling point for more business apart from B & Q.


Chris

 

[ian.settle1]

Do you have to pay for CRB checks or the employer?

Employer

 

[Steve_P]

Even if you're self employed subbing to a company?

 

[Risteard]

The point is that such a check should only be carried out if there is some legitimate purpose for it being carried out. For example, a school as someone has mentioned (contact with children). However, in this case a person's record should only be checked for anything which is of relevance to being in close proximity to children, and should not reveal anything of no relevance.

Divulgence of information about people is protected by the Data Protection Act, and as such any illegitimate and illegal use of a criminal record check should be challenged.

I am as yet unconvinced as to why B&Q feels they can justify such intrusion into people's lives.

This talk of "nothing to hide" is, frankly, nonsense. Corporations and governments do not own people - the citizenry has ownership of them. We also have a right to privacy.

 

[Darkwood]

The problem with CRB checks is they are now been requested through media panic measures, a kiddies clown was required to have one for which he refused on principle as hes been doing his job decades and feels like the accused, he made a good argument though and the fact is that coming into contact with children isnt good enough reason for the request he made the argument that at all times there are adults or teachers present so why does he require one!
A teacher, scout leader, carer etc i understand as they are often alone with children but it takes the pi.. that your made to feel you have to proof your innocent just to walk through a school full of kids who have a responsible adult with them anyway.
I have nothing to hide and have had this check done which cost me money hence my anger and this was to work in a school during the holidays (no children present) so where is all this gonna end up?

 

[Toonlad]

Well im all for having security checks under the present climate, ie recession, terrorism etc. However i do feel its a farce, and not 100% conclusive.

You can get a SAI card for £245 which lasts for 3 yrs. I could see contractors having to carry these next. But getting vetted is not conclusive for a crb check imo. AS i can give an example of.

i served in the army for a while, left the forces after a Tour of Northern Ireland, did a bit of work out there with Special branch and 14 Int, was cleared for security etc. The firm i work for now asked me to a do a Crb filled in the form, (Durham constabulary CCTV work) Bearing in mind this is six months after being in province, it came back as Failed. You figure it out!! But also filled another out for Northumberland police about the same time, and come back as a pass .

You figure it out

 

[Davey101]

The 'civil liberties' type really get on my ---- to be honest. Its pretty bleeding obvious why B+Q want to do a check on people they are employing to:
A. Represent their company
B. Go into peoples homes, sometimes whilst the arent there and fit a kitchen.

Would YOU want some scumbag working in your house? Suppose he was a druggie, and decided to rifle through your draws to find something to sell. Or maybe he likes the look of your tv and laptop, and comes back for it in a couple of weeks. Maybe he is some sort of pervert, and spends an hour or two in your wifes knickers, having a good time, or worse still likes the look of your wife, or 16 year old daughter (less common, but not inconceivable).

These checks are there to protect people from ne'er do wells, its called progress, using technology and modern methods to combat crime. I guess the people who dont like CRB checks also object to CCTV, cos it 'infringes our human rights' ?

Put cameras up in my street, add me to the dna database, lock up scumbags, and keep me, and my family safe, I welcome it all.

The only argument may be on a need/cost basis as darkwood found out to his cost.

Not sure why someone would object to carrying an ID card??

Not meaning for this to be personal, but this is an old argument, usually made by very naive people, criminals, or those with something to hide, none of which we should be listening to.

\Rant over\

 

[Spudnik]

Some very valid points there Davey.

 

[Risteard]

The 'civil liberties' type really get on my ---- to be honest. Its pretty bleeding obvious why B+Q want to do a check on people they are employing to:
A. Represent their company
B. Go into peoples homes, sometimes whilst the arent there and fit a kitchen.

The point is that B&Q are acting in a criminal fashion by doing that, and therefore would fail the checks they are demanding.

They DO NOT have any lawful purpose for requesting such a check.

Why don't you require people to undergo a CRB check before entering the supermarket to purchase food to live? They may come into contact with children or other vulnerable groups there...