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Thousands of people work in airports up and down the UK. Some are doing jobs which you could do elsewhere too, such as catering or retail. Other, such as check-in work, baggage handling and security are airport specific. Airports are constantly trying to recruit new people as the business expands. However, there are a few more hoops to jump through to get an airport job compared with working in other settings. And these extra hoops all falls under the umbrella of airside pass screening.  

What does airside pass screening mean?

All airports are divided into two zones – airside and landside. Landside is classed as parts of the building before security. These areas are accessible to the general public, whether they’re flying or not. The area past security is the airside sector. Airside zones in an airport are high-security areas. Just as travellers have to walk through metal detectors and have their baggage searched, workers in airside zones require security clearance. This applies to everyone, even in roles such as retail or cleaning.  

How do I get an airside pass?

Each airport will have its own procedures for vetting staff and making sure that there is nothing in their past which could raise security concerns. However, there are some standard checks which everyone will go through.
  • Identity Checking – checks to make sure that you are who you say you are. Employers will ask to see your passport, or other official photographic ID. They will also check at this stage that you have the legal right to firstly be in the UK, and secondly, take a job here. The most common way of doing this is to ask everyone to bring documents to interview.
  • FInancial Checks – depending on the role, you might be asked for financial checks too. These types of checks would be common for people working in a bureau de change, for example. Applicants consent to a credit check to make sure they have no previous problems with bankruptcy or high levels of unpaid debt.
  • Employment Checks – Airport employers will want to know what you’ve been doing for the last five years. They will chase up references to make sure you’re telling the truth. If you have gaps in your employment history, you might be asked for references to fill the gaps.
 

DBS Checks

DBS Checks – Disclosure and Barring Service checks are also known as CRB checks or police record checks. People having airside pass screening usually need to apply for a basic DBS check. This is the type of checking which has the lowest level of detail. A basic DBS check shows an applicant’s current criminal record. It won’t show offences which are spent under rehabilitation legislation. Given the high-security status of an airport, if you have a criminal record, you are unlikely to be offered a job. This is especially true if the crimes involve dishonesty. If you are applying for an airside position, remember that this sort of checks are standard. It’s in your own best interests to provide documents and complete forms as quickly as you can. You probably won’t be able to start work before your checks are complete.