More than 700 people were newly employed in government last year.

Minister for the Cabinet Office Kate Lord-Brennan said the government had hired 770 new employees in the last 12 months.

The figure doesn’t include internal transfers or casual appointments, according to Ms Lord-Brennan, and is measured between January and December 2021.

This was revealed in reply to Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse’s question in the House of Keys last week.

He asked about pre-employment checks for prospective government employees during the application process.

Ms Lord-Brennan said the standard checks include a collection of references, verification of essential qualifications via sight of original certificates or certified true copies, identity, and the right to work on-island checks, in accordance with the prevention of illegal working.

Ms Lord-Brennan said: ’Other information may be checked on appointment as appropriate; for example, confirmation of driving licences and insurance documents, if required.’

Mr Moorhouse followed this up with a supplementary question. He said: ’If concerns are raised by a third party about an employee’s earlier status, why can existing materials not be reviewed or checks be carried out, based on informal and unnamed tip-offs? A recent inquiry suggests that is not possible even if an employee is holding a significant role within government. Is that the case; and, if it is, could it be reviewed?’

Ms Lord-Brennan said: ’I am not commenting on any individual case whatsoever. I can say, though, if the Office of Human Resources is made aware of any concerns or discrepancies coming to light this will be investigated to verify information provided. That would be raised with the recruiting manager, if required, and any appropriate action taken.’