Projected increase in retail hiring portends jump in background screenings

Analysts are optimistic for the holiday season, predicting strong hiring patterns among the retail sector. However, for most employers, this will mean an increasing stack of background screenings to examine. According to a survey from Snagajob, an online employment network, retail managers' expectations of "incremental improvements" in retail hiring for the holiday season are being surpassed, The New Jersey Star-Ledger reports. The increase in numbers will coincide with a jump in paperwork, as retailers will need to perform background checks to ensure applicants check out financially, as well as having clean criminal records. In terms of numbers, Walmart has announced it needs 50,000 workers, while Macy's has cited a need for 80,000, GameStop requires 17,000, Kohl's is looking to take on 52,700 and Target plans to hire 90,000 over the next three months, the newspaper reports. Performing background checks on retail employees can help companies safeguard their financial assets as well as protect customers.