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Stronger safeguards needed to protect jobseekers using online sites, says REC

Jobseekers should be given the strongest possible safeguards to ensure their personal details do not end up in the possession of fraudsters, the REC has said.

This is in response to news that hackers have gained access to confidential details of up to 4.5 million people on the Monster.co.uk website.

Fola Tayo, the REC’s Head of Professional Standards, said: “It is a sad fact of life that the internet is becoming more of a target for fraudsters and so jobseekers should be more diligent in how they use online services.

“Ensuring confidentiality and respecting data protection regulations are key requirements in all forms of recruitment and are core elements of the REC’s Code of Professional Practice.

“On a general note, addressing fraud within the recruitment process is a priority for the REC which is why we are taking an active role in the SAFER initiative launched by the Metropolitan Police."

Fola Tayo added: “Recruitment professionals are keen to play their part in raising awareness and flagging up examples of scams that can affect agencies, employers and workers. In the current instance involving Monster, one of the lessons for jobseekers is that they should take extra precautions such as changing passwords on a regular basis and not revealing the most sensitive of information such as financial details.”

SAFER (Safe Advice for Employment and Recruitment) is an industry-wide forum, supported by the Metropolitan Police’s “Operation Sterling” which has been created to raise awareness and combat criminal activities which may be aimed at recruiters or those using the services of the industry, such as employers, candidates and employees.