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The vetting process for workers who apply for sensitive or critical jobs is increasingly involving machines, thanks to a lie detector firm selling its wares to recruiters. Marketed to agents and end-hirers alike, the firm uses polygraphs to help verify the truthfulness of statements candidates make about gaps or qualifications on their CVs. Its founders, two former West Midlands Police detectives, said they first realised that polygraphs could help employers with recruitment after seeing them used overseas. Lie detector tests for candidates in the US are only permissible for high-security roles, but they are legal in the UK, as long as the subject’s consent is given in writing. Asked about the accuracy of its tests, the firm told the BBC that they form “part of a jigsaw puzzle” for hirers, allowing them to better assess the risk of taking a person on. The subtext appears to be that a candidate who fails a polygraph at the interview or application stage presents a greater risk to the hirer than one who passes it. Yet some psychologists dispute the consensus that polygraphs are 98% accurate, saying the devices identify ‘liars’ based on changes in breathing, sweat levels and blood pressure. Aside from the fact that the results have no bearing on a worker’s performance, the concern is not deterring employers – the firm reportedly says business is increasing. Nov 13, 2009 Email this article Printer friendly page Previous Page
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