Checking Credit Reports on Applicants and Employees

If you currently include credit checks on applicants or employees, your policy will need to be reviewed.  The House Committee on Financial Services passed legislation on July 11ththat prohibits employers from using credit reports for employment decisions.  Exceptions may be made if a credit report is required by law or for a national security clearance. “The growing use of credit checks, therefore, may disproportionately screen otherwise qualified racial and ethnic minorities out of jobs, leading to discriminatory practices” stated Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif. If you currently require credit checks, you should determine the reason for the credit check and if it fits within the guidelines.