The use of social media in recruitment

Social media is now a routine part of everyday life, and increasingly, it plays a role in recruitment and workplace management. Employers are turning to platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to identify candidates, verify information and assess potential risks. But what are the benefits and risks of using social media in this way, and how can employers stay compliant with employment and data protection laws?

In this webinar, our employment and data protection specialists explore:

• The role of social media in recruitment – how platforms and specialist tools are used, the potential advantages, and the pitfalls for employers.
• Legal and ethical risks – including discrimination, unconscious bias, privacy concerns and how these issues have played out in real cases.
• Data protection compliance – the lawful bases under UK GDPR, how to carry out social media screening fairly and transparently, and what the ICO expects from employers.
• Social media in the workplace – common challenges such as offensive posts, grievances, reputational risks, and how to handle disciplinary processes.

The session provides practical guidance for HR teams, recruiters and employers on when – and how – social media screening may be appropriate, and how to put safeguards in place to reduce risk.

Watch the recording below to learn how to balance the potential benefits of social media in recruitment with the need for fairness, compliance and employee rights.

For more information or support, please contact our employment team or our data protection team.