Concern about the reliability of the data in the Criminal Records Bureau
means that employers will be unable to run staff checks until the autumn, say
Home Office sources.
The launch of the CRB was originally scheduled for July 2001 but has been
delayed, according to Computer Weekly.
The postponement will give the Government time to iron out difficulties in
the system, which relies on data from the Police National Computer to check out
job applicants.
Earlier this year, a report from the Home Affairs Select Committee found
that up to two-thirds of PNC data contained errors.
Dianah Warman, the CIPD’s adviser on equal opportunities, said, "The
delay will give employers the chance to get their acts together in terms of
recruitment procedures, and they will be able to act responsibility."