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Disclosure Scotland Background Checks on Employees Delayed
Disclosure Scotland Background Checks on Employees Delayed More than 51,000 Times Over Just Six Months
Criminal record checks on people wanting to work with children and vulnerable groups were delayed a shocking 51,401 times over just the last six months.
Disclosure Scotland blames the implementation of new laws for the huge leap in applications it failed to process within the 14-day target.
Just 11,973 background checks – which can delay people starting work – in all of 2024 were not completed on time.
“We have previously warned about the staffing challenges affecting Disclosure Scotland, with millions being spent on expensive temporary staff to paper over the cracks.
“This sticking plaster approach was always going to cause problems, and these figures suggest poor workforce planning has contributed to these delays.
“A well-functioning disclosure system is a matter of public safety. It is vital the SNP ensure Disclosure Scotland has the staff it needs to carry out robust and speedy checks.”
The implementation of the Disclosure (Scotland) Act in April saw a 35 per cent rise in applications.
Disclosure Scotland is a government agency helping employers make safer decisions when recruiting for work with vulnerable groups.
The body paid about £1.9m to temporary workers in 2012 but by 2018 that had reached £16.6m. It spent £9.2m on agency and contractor staff in 2023, and £7.5m last year, taking the 12-year total to £103m.
A Disclosure Scotland spokesperson said: “Week commencing December 8, 2025, our latest reporting week, saw an average processing time of 6.6 days, with 95.9per cent of applications completed within target.
“Delays earlier this year were due to higher-than-expected volumes following legislative changes.
“We understand delays can affect people starting work, which is why we are prioritising improvements in order to better our service for customers.”
by Jennifer Hyland
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