What are the requirements for conducting background checks on potential employees?

In Mississippi, employers are required to be in compliance with the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act when conducting background checks on potential employees. This act allows employers to obtain and use consumer reports (sometimes referred to as “background checks”) when making employment decisions. Employers may use consumer reports as part of the pre-employment process, but they must first make sure that the consumer report used is accurate and up to date. Before the report is used, the employer must provide a written disclosure to the potential employee that the report will be used for employment decisions and must also obtain written permission from the potential employee. Employers cannot use a consumer report that is more than seven years old, unless the position the applicant is applying for has an annual salary of more than $75,000. If a potential employee is denied employment based on the results of the consumer report, the employer must notify the applicant in writing, as well as provide the contact information of the consumer reporting agency providing the report. Lastly, the employer must ensure that all information received from the consumer reporting agency is kept secure and confidential. If the employer does not follow all of these requirements, they may be subject to fines, penalties, or other legal action.

Related FAQs

When can employers legally ask employees to work off the clock?
What are the consequences of not paying employees the minimum wage?
Are employers allowed to set different work hours for different employees?
What is the difference between a salaried and an hourly employee?
Are employers allowed to pay tipped and non-tipped employees different wages?
What is the difference between a minimum wage law and a living wage law?
Is it legal to dock an employee's pay for violating a policy?
How is wage and hour law different from labor law?
What are the requirements for meal and rest periods?
What are the rules for paying interns?

What are the requirements for conducting background checks on potential employees?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts