Recruiters Cautioned About Demanding Security Clearance Up Front
Monday, March 1st, 2010
Employers in the
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), the Professional Contractors Group (PCG) and the Cabinet Office said the matter had been brought to their attention.
Tom Hadley, REC’s Director of External Relations, agreed that contract jobs in some areas may need a security clearance but said this should not be made a condition for the posting. He stated that in several cases, clients could wait for a candidate to obtain necessary clearance and it is also essential that these positions be open to all contractors. He reiterated that clearances before a placement were necessary only if a contractor was to be hired at a short notice, a position which is in accordance with the guidance released by the Cabinet Office. He added that it was very important in “any procurement process” that all components of the supply chain completely understand “each other’s demands”.
John Brazier, PCG’s Managing Director, said many freelancers were finding it difficult to get jobs as they were being asked for clearance. He pointed out that this not only violated the advisory issued by the Cabinet Office, but was unfavourable to contractors and disadvantageous for employers who were left with a very limited number of people to recruit.
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