Scammers try to catch charities out on equalities law.
Scottish charities have been warned to be on the look out for serial job applicant fraudsters.
A legal firm says it knows of examples where voluntary sector groups have been caught up in the scam.
It involves people applying for jobs they are unsuitable for and then claiming discrimination when they don’t get it.
The fraudsters claim to have needs caused by disability and then make a series of demands – including having meals paid for and hotel stays to cover job interviews.
There was concern that if he was not offered an interview, he would claim it was because of his disabilities and therefore discriminatory
If they don’t get the job they try to take charities to tribunals, citing breaches in equality law.
Legal firm Lindsays said it is aware of at least one on-going case involving a serial applicant scam.
Ben Doherty, a partner at the company, said: “A charity in Scotland advertised a vacancy asking applicants to complete an online application form.
“One applicant emailed, referring to his disability and making a list of adjustments to the recruitment process. His requests included: accepting his email and attachments to it as a job application as he was unable to complete the online form; the assistance of a skilled equality adviser at every stage of the recruitment process; and interview arrangements such as overnight rest in a hotel, and provision of a paid carer, taxis and meals.
“The charity has had to decide whether to meet the requests. It was concerned that if he was not offered an interview, he would claim it was because of his disabilities and therefore discriminatory. The charity therefore considered the detail in the email and its attachments and reached the conclusion that the applicant did not meet the minimum criteria for the vacancies applied for. It therefore did not invite the applicant to interview.”
The law firm urged charities to tighten up their vetting processes – including checking to see if applicants have been involved in multiple tribunals. For more information click here.
