This month ADP released its 12th Annual Screening Index report summarizing its evaluation of employment screening and hiring trends.  The summary was gleaned from nearly 5.5. million individual background checks and 1.7 million criminal background checks performed during calender year 2008.  The Screening Index:noted several interesting data points:

Because employers utilize background screens to identify appropriate candidates for employment; confirm the veracity of information provided on employment applications and as part of a comprehensive strategy of maintaining a safe workplace, the ADP summary provides interesting information about the American workforce –on a macro level. A copy of the full report can be downloaded here (must provide ADP with some identifying information prior to download).