What If I Can't Afford A Dbs Check?

[Treacle71]

I'm on minimum wage and I've been told it costs £50.80 by an agency. I don't have that kind of money handy.

[douglas9401]

https://www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record

[youngmafbog]

Dont employers pay for them? Everywhere I have worked the employers or client if on contract has paid for all my security checks.

[Treacle71]

Not in this case, youngmafbog. This prospective employment agency wants me to pay, but I'm wondering if they're a scam. I haven't even been given a job offer yet let alone contacted about roles by them and they want £50.80.

[youngmafbog]

Doesn't sound right to me.

Its £18.00 direct from the Government.

[barry1010]

What is the name of the agency?

[Treacle71]

I'll challenge them now with the £18 figure and see what they say. Thank you guys so far xx

[bednobs]

you cant apply for an enhanced DBS yourself (the £18 one is the standard check)
i think you work in the health sector mainly? for those jobs you usually need an enhanced check

[bobbinwales]

A good employer will normally cover the cost as your likely to spend some time there. Agencies may not though as you may do only short term work or maybe none at all if your on zero hours. Some will refund it once you done a certain number of days.
For some jobs though people just accept they need to pay for it and renew each year.
I think the cost may depend on whether its a basic check or enhance'd one

[bobbinwales]

have you worked in the sector before... would of thought youd a needed a DBS before so could that not be enough

[bobbinwales]

good site...https://www.gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role

take care not to use a spoof site

[JimF]

"you cant apply for an enhanced DBS yourself (the £18 one is the standard check)"

The £18 is for the basic check, not the standard. There are actually three levels of checking: basic, standard and enhanced:

https://amiqus.co/digital-criminal-record-checks?gclid=CjwKCAjwrranBhAEEiwAzbhNtUhOt_S9x_AWYXFf95u1npRkI1hNbpGayQAoG5ER3AFgregx7nOuURoChIwQAvD_BwE

[Treacle71]

The agency keep bargaining with me now like I'm at some market. No longer is it £50.80, it's now £13. Something very odd and yes it's in office healthcare, bednobs.

[New Judge]

//There are actually three levels of checking: basic, standard and enhanced://

Indeed there are and individuals can only apply for a basic check. A standard or enhanced check can only be applied for by employers or registered organisations.

[calmck]

Can you find out what the agency ratings for satisfaction are?

[bobbinwales]

I'm still not sure whether you gave had a dbs check before....there's a subscription renewal system where any employer can view it... I think its about £13 a year

[Treacle71]

Going to drop this agency like a hot potato. Thank you guys.

[bobbinwales]

Let us know when you get a job... and whether it needs a dbs check and who pays it

[Treacle71]

I surely will, bobbinwales. All I know is I certainly will NOT pay for one. Times are hard and friends are few and that.

[barry1010]

What agency is it, Treacle?