§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many existing care home staff had enhanced level Criminal Records Bureau checks processed by 31 December 2003; what percentage this constitutes of the total number of existing care home staff; and if he will make a statement. [161936]
§ Ms BlearsAs at 31 December 2003, the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) had completed 39,943 Enhanced Disclosure checks and 2,477 Standard Disclosure checks on existing care home staff. There are no figures to indicate what percentage of staff this represents.
In September 2003, the Department of Health issued its schedule to employers and owners in the care sector on the reintroduction of the previously postponed checks on existing care home staff. Initially, employers were asked to send application forms to the CRB by 31 December 2003. Following discussion between the Home Office and the Department of Health, this date was extended to 29 February 2004.