The results of psychometric tests could help firms avoid being drawn into costly employment tribunals.

Frank Landy, head of litigation support at psychometrics provider SHL, has been involved with a number of cases in the US where psychometric profiles have been used in employment trials, and believes the trend is making its way over to the UK.

According to Landy, companies could also use personality testing to gauge whether a candidate for a role is likely to be the type to sue.

Firms could also use the results of tests to back them up in cases where a rejected candidate feels they have been unfairly treated. By supplying them with reasons as to why they didn’t get the job, they are less likely to complain.

“When someone decides to sue, you’ll be asked to present documents that show how you came to a particular decision,” explained Landy. “One of the best defences is to give them a test report.”

•Look out for Recruiter’s Guide to Psychometrics and Assessment, which comes with our next issue, dated 17 November.