Could this be a scam?

[Cat112344]

I applied for a cleaning job at my hospital through an agency on Reed, they emailed me back saying they’ve shortlisted me and I need to send proof of address, right to work and id for a background check. They’re called Astar partners ltd. can’t find much about them online, they’re asking for £50 for the check and it’s apparently a booking system so I pick which shifts etc to do. They have a website, contact number and they’re on reed so I was wondering if a fake job could post on there?! Could I ring the hosp and see if this particular company are recruiting for them ?

There is a fee for a DBS check, presumably they are wanting you to pay for this plus administrative costs.

www.gov.uk/government/news/fee-changes-for-dbs-checks

The reviews for A star aren’t great though
www.indeed.co.uk/cmp/A-Star-Recruitment/reviews

It might be worth finding out who has the cleaning contract -it’s Sodexo in our area- and contact them directly or see if they have a job ads page like this

www.sodexojobs.co.uk/jobs/job/Hospital-Cleaner/38217

This definitely sounds like a scam - you should not have to pay for checks. I doubt there is actually a job.

Contact the hospital directly and ask their HR department if they use the company.

Just for info - there is a company by this name on Companies House that exists - but it says it's business is "buying and selling of own real estate".

Also see saferjobs

you should not have to pay for checks

Most employers pay for them but they don’t have to.

“Being Asked to Pay for Your Own DBS
There is no law which states that employers should be the ones who cover the cost of having a DBS check done, it's just good practice for the employer to shoulder the cost. Not all employers take this approach though, and some may ask employees to stump up the cash themselves”

clearcheck.co.uk/who-pays-for-my-dbs-checks/

I have also applied for this job and paid for the DBS clearance and have not been able to reach them since.
Both phone numbers they provided are unreachable.
I am concerned it was all too good to be true or a very unprofessional recruiter.

After asking some questions and grilling them a bit, I’m 100% certain it’s a scam. I told them I already had a dbs check and they said it’s not for a dbs (said it was at first) but it’s for an anti terorism Check lol

Anti terrorism check!

Most companies don't expect you to pay for the DBS. Some do say that you will have to pay it back if you leave within 3 months but you don't generally pay for it up front. (I have worked in the care sector for nearly 30 years). Please don't send personal detail or money until you are sure thee is a waiting job.

It is only £23 for the basic one and £40 for the enhanced.

It’s definitely a scam, I know who is behind this ‘company’ and they’re a total con artist!

Oh no my mum applied for a job through them and paid for the DBS check too. They have given her a start date but have given her a work from home “job” prior- where she has to review a mobile phone. I am really worried now- did you gain employment through them?