Require employers to pay the full cost of any Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check that are a condition of employment, including Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS checks. Employers should not be permitted to require applicants or employees to pay these costs.

DBS checks are required for many roles in health and social care, education, and other regulated sectors. Employers often require applicants or low-paid workers to pay the cost themselves. This creates a financial barrier to work and can discourage people from applying for essential roles, especially in sectors facing recruitment shortages. As the check is required for safeguarding, the cost should be treated as a business expense rather than a charge on individuals seeking work.