A Yorkshire-based recruiter has hit back at criticisms of its candidates screening process after it placed a convicted murderer as a caretaker in a local college.
Shard Recruitment managing director Janet Harris is accusing Keighley MP Ann Cryer of “making assumptions without enquiry,” after the man’s past was discovered.
Shard Recruitment supplied Keighley College with Stuart Longstaff, who was freed on licence last year after serving 22 years of a life sentence for killing a man who had refused to lend him money.
However, he was recalled to prison last month after probation officers became concerned about the risks he posed to the public. He was found hanged two weeks ago.
Cryer told the Telegraph and Argus: “I do not think you can blame the college because it recruited from what it thought was a responsible recruitment agency. The legislation governing recruitment agencies needs to be looked at because they should not be placing offenders who could be a danger to the public in roles such as this.”
Harris told Recruiter it requires all candidates to complete and sign an application form. This requires, among other details, disclosure of any criminal convictions. She said Longstaff lied, and even supplied two references confirming his suitability for employment.
“The assumption that we acted irresponsibly in this matter saddens me deeply. I have been disappointed by the statements made by our local MP. Far from looking into the deceit of Longstaff she has chosen to make assumptions without enquiry, and blamed private business (Shard) for a risk that ought to properly have been managed by the appropriate public authorities.”
She said the Probation Service had a responsibility to monitor Longstaff following his release on parole licence, but no contact
was ever received from a probation officer.
“Had any contact been made we would have reviewed his application details,” added Harris.