Hi all, Like many people I have inflated my current salary when going for a new role with a big 4 firm. Does anyone know if background checks run by big 4 are likely to include previous salary details (I know my current HR doesn't have to disclose that, but what if I have consented to the background check?). Also, how likely are they to ask for payslips as proof of earnings? Bear in mind that discussions/negotiations haven't centered on my previous earnings, but they are aware of them (through the RC). I've read all previous posts, but my question is specifically about background checks (and is previous salary part of that) and if you're aware of Big 4 (or anyone else for that matter) asking for payslips as proof. Thanks

Just had my checks done, no check on salary, just a check that I am the level I say am currently working on. I doubt it matters that much, the whole point about interviewing is for them to decide how much they feel you are worth.

Previous salary tends to be a spot-check item when commissioned from a background checking agency because it can be more time-consuming to get all the data.This means it is checked randomly for x percent of candidates in certain grades, or upon special request by the employer. The size of x varies depending on the risk associated with the role - the higher the salary at stake, the better the cost-benefit balance for conducting checks.

How would they check it anyway - unless they ask your current employer. Employer shouldn't be giving this info away??

When you sign the agreement (often part of the employment contract) to have your references or background checked, this would give blanket permission for all information to be disclosed. It'd only be an issue if the new employer didn't tell you they were going to conduct checks as a condition of employment.

Thanks for the responses everyone. Beagle -Does that mean that by agreeing to background checks I am effectively authorising my current employer to disclose earnings information? Even though on references they typically (like most employers these days) only provide job title and dates of employment?

You'll have to read the small print- my eyesight from over here's not that good :)

It would be nice if more people told these arrogant companies to f*ck off when they want to know commercially sensitive information such as your current salary. Tell them to mind their own business, they have no more right to know your salary than you do theirs. The only reason they want to know it is so that they can check they aren't going to be paying you "too much" (i.e. more than current salary + X%). It almost indicates laziness on their part, like they're seeking reassurance of their decision by using your current salary as a benchmark. It's like going on a first date with someone and being grilled in fine detail about your salary, pension, car allowance, size of your house, etc. In fact, it's worse than that, because at least those questions provide answers to the "what can you offer me" test. Instead, it's like going on a first date and being asked irrelevant and personal questions such as "what do your parents earn", "how big is your grandparents' house".

The best barometer of your wages is your tax code, which the HR department will know when you start with them. Obviously it's not the whole story (e.g. you may have inherited some investments) but it's a good place to start.On the plus side, most companies you leave would never disclose any private information (e.g. if you work for a big firm you'll get a standard reference letter stating your position on leaving and period of employment), though some employers "insist" on copies of your wage slips. Check the small print of your contract first and then tell them it is none of their business .

Hold on, your tax code doesn't reveal your level of income ... ??

If it really is "commercially sensitive information" then it'd be a big issue if it turned out you'd lied about it.