UK Recruitment Glossary
Background Check
In recruiter context
Standard for UK roles above £40k and for any regulated industry (finance, healthcare, legal, public sector). Typical scope: identity verification, right-to-work, employment dates and titles for the last 5-10 years, qualifications verified directly with awarding bodies, references from named contacts, and for some roles a basic DBS or financial-services FCA check. Most checks are run by third parties (HireRight, Sterling, Onfido). Lying about employment dates is the #1 reason offers get withdrawn at this stage — much more common than candidates think. Be precise and consistent across CV, LinkedIn, and application form. Discrepancies under 30 days are usually overlooked; longer ones get queried.
Related terms
Skills Shortage
A gap between the skills employers need and the skills available in the workforce — gives candidates…
DBS Check
Disclosure and Barring Service check — UK criminal record check, required for roles working with chi…
Four-Day Week
A working pattern where employees work 4 days for full-time pay, with the same output expected — dis…
Gross Misconduct
A category of serious workplace misconduct that justifies summary dismissal (without notice) — theft…