Could IDVT digital identity checks help tackle staff shortages? 

Summer travel chaos is an unfortunate fact of life across Europe this year — and the UK is no exception.  Cancelled flights and seemingly endless queues at airports have become widespread. Airport operators have struggled to cope with millions of frustrated holidaymakers keen to get away, often for the first time since the start of the pandemic. 

The situation is just as concerning in sectors like retail and hospitality. Much of the problem is fuelled by significant staff shortages brought about by a combination of redundancies, sickness absence, and unanticipated levels of demand.  

As employers attempt to ramp up recruitment and onboarding processes to cope, an important problem has come to light. The length of time it takes to conduct employee background checks is slowing things down. We have even seen emergency fast-tracking introduced to try and clear the backlog. 

IDVT digital identity checks support new Right to Work Scheme 

Thankfully, the UK Government’s new Right to Work Scheme came into effect this financial year. For those employers choosing to take advantage of the framework, it’s a chance to significantly speed up their re-staffing processes and mitigate risk at the same time.  

Companies now have the option of working with certified Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT) service providers (including Zellis) to automate and streamline UK background checks. This can save them time and money, and help to make a dent in their staffing situation sooner rather than later.  

The new policy means prospective workers can now upload images of their ID documents, such as passports, into a digital system rather than needing to show them directly to their prospective employer. They can use this to prove their eligibility to work or rent, as well as to apply for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal background checking.

Although in-person checks were required pre-pandemic, during the crisis the guidance changed to permit remote checks using video technology. This meant employers were not required to see job candidates’ original documentation. IDVT aims to make employment background checking quicker and easier by continuing digital flexibility, while limiting it to approved service providers.

IDVT digital identity checks also have the benefit of reducing the risk of human error and fraud. This can only enhance the security and integrity of employment background checking activities.  

Learn more about Zellis’ background checking service.