Unemployment statistics result in job seekers

28 February 2018 00:00

In an increasingly pressurised economic environment, the significance of effective and competent staffing has become even more far reaching. Screening of prospective employees is a critical element in the protection of a company’s assets, staff and brand.

“Despite the marginal decrease in the unemployment rate to 26.7% in the last quarter of 2017 according to the latest Stats SA survey, there remains a certain amount of desperation amongst job seekers,” says Rudi Kruger, general manager of LexisNexis Data Services. “This can lead to prospective employees falsifying information such as qualifications and experience on CV’s and applications.”

“Employees are a company’s biggest investment with regards to time, resources, training and money expended. The risks of hiring a candidate who is not qualified for the role, or who has a criminal record that has been hidden are increased if comprehensive candidate screening is not carried out. This makes reference and experience checks crucial in the employment process,” says Kruger.

Areas that are often embellished upon in job applications include work experience and previous periods of employment. “Employees want to look qualified for the role offered to secure the position and the salary. They also want to show that they are dependable and stable by being employed for longer,” adds Kruger. “They may also exaggerate the time they worked at a company to hide periods of incarceration or dismissal due to theft or lack of performance.”

Lexis® RefCheck gives employers and recruitment agencies peace of mind, providing 24/7 online access to verify the personal details of a candidate prior to offering employment. Background screening verifications offered include criminal record checks, credit reports, matric and tertiary qualifications checks, identity verifications and fraud listings, driving licences and professional driving permits as well Fit & Proper and FAIS Comprehensive Checks.

Delivering quality assured verifications with integrity and speed, complete transparency and in an affordable manner, Lexis® RefCheck is an essential tool for human resource management and staff recruitment.

For more visit Lexis RefCheck

About Rudi Kruger

Rudi Kruger is the General Manager of LexisNexis Data Services. He is responsible for African and International risk solutions. He has 11 years banking experience with strong focus on trade services, risk and compliance. He successfully completed various courses within the banking industry, as well  as IOB Certificate in banking and completed a MAP program at WBS in 2014. Rudi is responsible for the execution of new business development, strategy and sustainable growth, by introducing new products offering and enhancements to the Sub Saharan African market

About LexisNexis Data Services

LexisNexis Data Services helps uncover the information that commercial organisations and government agencies need to get a complete picture of individuals, businesses and assets with industry-leading data and analytic solutions.  With solutions such as Lexis ProcureCheckLexis DiligenceLexis RefCheck and Lexis WinDeed, the division’s specialised risk-management tools make it easier for organisations to carry out background screening of individuals and organisations, searches of public record information, due diligence and property vetting. LexisNexis Data Services quickly and efficiently delivers specific, in-depth information gathered across thousands of unique data sources to address industry-specific needs.

LexisNexis is part of RELX Group and serves customers in more than 175 countries with 10,000 employees worldwide.  In July 2012, investment firm Tsiya Group, chaired by FaniTiti, acquired a minority interest in LexisNexis® South Africa. Tsiya is a privately owned investment
group that was established in 2008 and focuses on acquiring interests in unlisted businesses.

For more on LexisNexis Data Services visit www.lexisnexis.co.za/data-services.