Paramedics block crime record check

More than 100 London paramedics and ambulance drivers could face disciplinary action today for failing to have their criminal records checked.

Bosses at the London Ambulance Service want to carry out background checks on all staff, no matter how many years they have been working for the organisation. But 136 front-line workers have refused to give their consent for the checks to be carried out. The London Ambulance Service warned staff they have until the end of today to consent or they could face a disciplinary process.

Since February all new recruits have had to have their criminal records checked, but the organisation also wants to check the records of 1,700 long-standing staff and those moving between jobs within the organisation.