What is the legal status on the use of spying on potential candidates using social media?

According to a recent Microsoft survey, less than 15% of candidates all across the UK believe information which is available on social media affects their chances of securing employment. The same survey, however, showed that 45% of employers in the UK admit to using it regularly and rejecting candidates based on information which they have seen online. 55% of people who work in the area of recruitment also admit that they would not look at offering anyone an interview for a job without first reviewing a candidate’s LinkedIn profile.

Most employers in Northern Ireland are aware that they have an obligation to carry out a systematic, fair and objective recruitment and selection procedure.