Security clearance requests 'harm contractors and end users'

Recruitment agencies are breaching Cabinet Office (CO) regulations by asking contractors about security clearance before offering them a position.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation, PCG and the CO said they have become aware of concerns that this is taking place.

Security clearance is a matter which affects contractors working across a range of sectors, including IT work for the government and engineering projects for the Ministry of Defence and nuclear power plants.

Contractors should only have to provide details of their security clearance when the position is short-term or required at very short notice, the organisations pointed out.

As well as contravening regulations, PCG managing director John Brazier explained that it can also hurt both temporary workers and the end users who require their services.

"Too many freelancers are finding their path blocked by inappropriate requests for existing clearance," he said, before adding that employers are facing a "severely restricted pool of talent" as a result of the practice.

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