SC Cases Raise Questions About Employee Screening
By George Anderson
Two separate cases in South Carolina alleging convicted sexual offenders working at Wal-Mart had assaulted children in the store has individuals and child welfare groups calling on the company to do criminal background checks on employees.
The retailer does not do criminal background checks on most of its employees.
David Massey, a lawyer retained by the families of the alleged victims in the two cases, contends the company’s policy allows pedophiles to work in areas of the store frequented by kids.
Lynne Taylor, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse South Carolina, urged Wal-Mart to do criminal background checks saying pedophiles apply for jobs at certain companies because they know checks are not performed.
Moderator’s Comment: Are retailers performing background checks on potential store employees? How can retailers improve
the employee screening process?
Having done research in recent years working in a store to keep in touch with what is actually happening on the floor, we can tell you that previous employers
we listed on our application as well as personal references were never contacted before or after our hiring. –
George Anderson – Moderator