FIVE MONTH CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK KEEPS MUM ON THE DOLE

28-05-2008

A single mother desperate to get off the dole has been waiting five months for a Criminal Record check so that she can take up a job she was offered before Christmas. West Midlands Police have admitted that 40% of applications are being delayed, some by more than three months.

We were contacted by the woman’s brother who fears she might lose the position which has been offered by a local authority in the region.

He says they’ve shown admirable patience so far, but is angry with the police: “They are meant to take ten days, at a push four weeks.

"A single mother who has worked all her life has had to go on benefits for the last four months because West Midlands Police can't resource a department charged with a very important task".

He says that in the meantime, the Council has had to employ expensive agency staff, but adds: “I am sure many employers would not be so supportive in keeping my sister's job open.

"She  has never been in trouble in her life so realistically, how long does it take?"

The Stirrer has seen the letter sent our contributor’s sister by Karen Sattherthwaite, from the Central Information Unit at West Midlands Police.

It admits that, “40% of applications are currently encountering delays due to changes in processes.”

Even more worrying, she admits, “We are currently opening the delayed checks between 80 and 100 days after receipt from the CRB and may then have to consider further information before the check can be completed.”

We’re awaiting a response from West Midlands Police.

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