The Rewards of Polygraph Testing for UK Employers

Polygraph examination or testing is a commonly known sophisticated procedure which calls for state of the art equipment, seasoned, and skilled examiners and several parameters to measure indicators in an individual to evaluate if they are lying or telling the truth about an issue.

Although the use of this tool is widespread in the United States, however, it is somewhat in its introductory stage in the UK. Though fairly new, it has greatly aided in the investigation of serious criminal offenses, especially in child abuse involving paedophilia.

While the procedure is not yet extensively utilised, meanwhile employers are now currently turning to lie detector test to distinguish fraudulent employees, dishonesty in the workplace, and all kinds of pillaging. Let’s see how polygraph testing is carrying out in the Recruitment industry.

Polygraph testing for job applicants

For recruitment agencies, they rely on their exemplary reputation for providing highly suitable candidates to their client’s requiring it. Recommending a candidate who is later found out who lied or manipulated his or her curriculum vitae will make an immense difference if a company will continue to use the recruitment agency’s services again.

With the ingenuity of lie detector test, companies can now analyse the trustworthiness of applicants seeking employment. Using a polygraph equipment, highly skilled examiners can observe physiological responses of job seekers. During the process, sensors will be able to detect changes such as respiratory, heightened heart rate, perspiration, and hand movements when lies are stated.

Employees who refuse the test

What happens when an applicant or employee turns down a polygraph test? The agency or company should not regard this as a substantial evidence of an individual’s guilt. Though the court may take the refusal into account, without sufficient evidence the case will not make it.

At any rate, legal action fees is exorbitant than polygraph testing expenses. Inadequately using it, employers and recruiters both save time and resources. More than that, with the tool gaining popularity it is becoming a convenient instrument to resolve employment disparity.

Polygraph results in the tribunals

At the moment, there is no law that stipulates polygraph examination for companies. While there are several cases that reached the court, if the test result is found positive, the conflict is typically arranged out of the tribunal.

Normally in UK civil courts, if the judge allows polygraph documentation then the results are regarded as relevant. Moreover, when an employee opted to take the test, the court will allow its inclusion as evidence.  Thus, employers and recruiters should deem polygraph testing as an instrument of a broader probe into allegations. Prosecutions and tribunals will not allow results without further findings.