This recruitment system checks job seekers against criminal records

Employers can now automatically cross-reference job candidates according to sex offences, criminal records, driving accidents and drug checks.

The reference checks are provided to employers under a new partnership between ASX-listed HR platform Xref and US background screener Checkr.

Xref (ASX:XF1) formed the partnership in a bid to expand its reach in the US and Canada.

Xref’s shares climbed 8 per cent to 62c on Tuesday morning.

Xref’s automated software verifies references provided by candidates and analyses referee feedback.

The new Checkr data — available in the US and Canada — now adds background screening including credit checks, criminal records, driving violations, past addresses and education verification.

“This powerful partnership allows us to significantly enhance the service we offer organisations in Canada and the United State, and furthers our strategic global expansion,” said Xref executive director Lee-Martin Seymour.

“We now have the ability to provide best-in-breed background and reference checking services to approximately 168 million workers across these two markets.”

Xref boasted sales growth of 137 per cent last year, collecting $4.1 million from clients such as Westpac, Qantas and Hudson.

The company raised $7.5 million in August to invest in marketing, integration with other HR platforms and digital on-boarding. It had $4.1 million in the bank at the end of June.

Privately-held Checkr has partnered with the likes of Uber and Zenefits for background checks serving some 10,000 clients worldwide.