Checks carried out by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) may hinder work placements in the care sector, according toagency management recruitment firm de Poel.

The scheme, effective from 12 October, ensures individuals working with children and vulnerable adults must register with the ISA at a cost of £64 per person.

Fines of £5,000 or imprisonment will be meted out to those who employ an unregistered person, the stakes are high for employers who fail to implement the directive effectively.

Chief executive of de Poel, Matthew Sanders, says: “We have no doubt that the scheme has been introduced with the best intentions, but we are concerned about the effects this might have on recruitment among care organisations.

“With a limited amount of time, resources and funding, they may find it difficult to keep on top of the system, and subsequently be deterred from taking on new workers unless it is absolutely necessary.

“Luckily for our clients, this process can be outsourced to their panel agencies, who are audited, monitored and required to operate within formal terms of business.”