The world of recruitment in the UK has long been plagued by cumbersome processes and outdated legislation, resulting in one of the slowest recruitment systems globally. It’s evident that change is overdue. The need for a more efficient and streamlined approach has never been more pressing, and the answer lies in the digitisation of recruitment procedures.
The Impact of Outdated Processes
The inefficiencies of the existing recruitment processes have not only hindered the pace of operations but have also cast a shadow on compliance and pre-employment checks. A shift is imperative—toward faster operations without compromising safety. Embracing digital platforms and innovative technologies is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity to bring about transformative change.
The Wake-Up Call: COVID-19 and the Digital Era
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic brought to light the glaring shortcomings of lengthy processes. Faced with adversity, the UK government took swift action, initiating the digitalisation of recruitment compliance. While commendable, these efforts are only the beginning. The post-pandemic landscape demands more comprehensive enhancements to modernise the industry.
Capitalising on Remote Work
Post-pandemic, remote work has emerged as a valuable trend. Employers now have the opportunity to expand their candidate pool and reduce the need for in-person interactions. However, for this trend to reach its full potential, recruitment processes and pre-employment checks must align with the hybrid model—enabled by digital platforms and cutting-edge technology.
The Shift to Digital Verification
The advent of social distancing in 2020 accelerated the transition from manual ID verification to digital remote checks. Live video links became the medium for confirming crucial documentation, such as Right to Work eligibility. This transition not only saved time for recruiters, employers, and candidates but also provided a smoother process overall.
The Rise of Identity Service Providers (IDSPs)
The evolution continued with the emergence of Identity Service Providers (IDSPs). These technologies enable the digital verification of documents like passports and driving licenses. Some IDSPs even incorporate facial recognition technology, comparing live selfies with ID images for facial similarity. Additionally, they cross-reference documents with official records to prevent discrepancies.
Revolutionising Right to Work (RTW) Checks
In 2022, the government updated RTW legislation. The shift was marked by the adoption of IDSPs for Digital RTW checks. This transition has significantly reduced the risk of human error in documentation verification. The use of AI technology not only confirms the authenticity of documents but also validates the identity of candidates.
The Benefits of Digital Transformation
The benefits of digital RTW checks are clear. In a study, a significant majority of hires opted for the digital identity route, completing the process in an average time of three minutes and 30 seconds. This emphasis on speed, accuracy, and candidate convenience aligns with the priorities of modern recruitment.
Legislative Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite these advancements, legislative limitations persist, restricting the scope of digital RTW checks. The accessibility of the workforce remains a concern. The journey toward digital transformation continues, with discussions about linking digital platforms to enhance recruitment accuracy and efficiency.
Steering Toward a Bright Future
The establishment of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) focused on Modernising Employment (MODE) and hiring signals a promising direction. Discussions within MODE highlight the potential of linking HMRC databases to digital verification processes, revolutionising the reference-checking process.
Embracing the Digital Evolution
The path toward a digital onboarding process is a necessity. Failing to embrace digital platforms means risking a slower onboarding process and alienating talent. However, this transformation demands a partnership between the government and providers to ensure compliance with Employment Law and GDPR.
A Glimpse into the Future
The past three years have provided a glimpse into the transformative potential of digital recruitment compliance. The door is open for a faster, safer, and more inclusive recruitment process. As we look ahead, the policies and legislation must evolve to solidify the UK’s position as a leader in global recruitment.
Umbrella Check – Bridging the Gap
In the absence of fully digitised processes, accreditation becomes the bridge to watertight compliance. Umbrella Check’s robust accreditation processes offer recruitment agencies the confidence and security they need to navigate the evolving landscape of compliance and recruitment.
Choose Umbrella Check to Navigate the Digital Age of Compliance.
