by Jenny Reid

The latest Employers Background Screening Report sheds light on the rising challenges and trends in employee screening internationally. With the influx of fraudulent activities and integrity-related challenges, employers are placing greater emphasis on robust verification measures.

Here's a closer look at the trends shaping this critical aspect of workforce management:

Key Challenges in Employee Screening

The report identifies three leading concerns employers face when engaging background screening services:

Timeliness: Delays in verification processes continue to frustrate employers, leaving vacancies unfilled for longer than companies can allow.
Costs: The expense of comprehensive checks remains a barrier for many organisations, especially if it’s discovered that the candidate being screened is not suitable for the company or role.
Accuracy: Ensuring reliable and precise data is a priority but remains a challenge for some service providers.

Despite these issues, the number of employers expressing extreme dissatisfaction with screening providers dropped from 6% in 2023 to 3% in 2024.

However, dissatisfaction with customer service persists, prompting 26% of companies to consider switching providers in 2025.

Widespread CV Fraud: A Growing Risk

A UK study reveals a concerning trend of dishonesty amongst job applicants:

Nearly 10% admitted to lying on their CVs in 2023.
1 in 11 fabricated degrees or qualifications.
Alarmingly, many were unaware that these actions were illegal.

Common areas of misrepresentation include:

Qualifications and skills
Work achievements
Job titles and dates
Previous salaries

2024 Employee Screening Trends in South Africa

Insights from the iFacts Employee Screening Trends Report highlight some of the most pressing concerns:

Qualification Fraud: High unemployment and low graduation rates have fuelled falsified credentials, resulting in significant financial losses for companies when the fraud is uncovered.
Declining Workplace Integrity: The global trend of reduced personal accountability and adherence to company policies has taken root locally, endangering organisational stability.
Driver’s License and Permit Fraud: Fraudulent licenses are increasingly prevalent in the transport sector, posing risks to South Africa’s logistics-driven economy.
Social Media Risk Assessments: Employers are now assessing candidates' online behaviour to identify risks, underscoring the importance for employers to consider a candidate’s digital footprint.

Proactive Measures for Employers

To combat these challenges, the report recommends the following measures:

Comprehensive Reference Checks: Relying on professional verification services ensures more reliable assessments, addressing many of the common resume falsehoods.
Integrity Profiling: Periodic evaluations of employee behaviour, both pre- and post-employment, helps organisations identify potential risks early.
Skills Assessments: Verifying candidates' competencies before employment ensures they possess the skills necessary to meet job requirements, avoiding future challenges.

The Importance of Robust Screening Strategies

With qualification fraud, integrity challenges, and verification gaps on the rise, South African employers must adopt advanced tools and professional services to safeguard their organisations. These efforts not only maintain ethical standards but also ensure compliance with industry regulations and aid in hiring the most ideal employees.

As companies look ahead to 2025, investing in comprehensive employee screening is no longer optional—it is essential for maintaining trust, protecting assets, and ensuring a skilled and honest workforce.

For more on employee screening insights and services, visit iFacts Employee Screening Services or access the full report here.

Jenny Reid

Jenny Reid is a Human Risk Expert and Professional Speaker, and the owner of iFacts based in South Africa, a specialist employee screening and vetting service. She is constantly assessing new and innovative ways to remove the people risk in any organisation. Since 2009 when she took over iFacts completely, she has seen the company double in size and hopes to continue this growth. iFacts specializes in employee Screening, risk assessments, employee wellness, investigations, and truth verification. Jenny is a past President of the Security Association of South Africa. Contact Jenni via email jenny@ifacts.co.za