Minister halts Labour's 'draconian' job vetting scheme

She said it was time to return to a more "common sense" approach which did not risk alienating volunteers doing valuable work.

The announcement came a month before all newcomers to regulated posts could have registered with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) before the scheme became mandatory in November.

Yesterday's move was broadly welcomed by civil liberties campaigners and charities, although they warned effective safeguards were still needed.

The ISA scheme was designed to prevent unsuitable people working with children and vulnerable adults, and employers would face prosecution for breaches.

An independent review of the scheme took place last year following complaints that volunteers were being discouraged because the registration net was too wide.

As a result, Ministers agreed to vet adults only if they saw the same group of children or vulnerable people once a week or more, rather than once a month as originally proposed.

Mrs May said all sorts of groups of people were deeply concerned. "It was a draconian measure when it was introduced, that's why we have halted the process.

She added: "By scaling it back we will be able to introduce a greater element of common sense. What we have got to do is actually trust people again."

People had been assumed to be guilty until proven innocent.

Around nine and a half million people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, were expected to have to register with the ISA under the old scheme. The ISA will continue to exist and procedures for Criminal Records Bureau checks remain in place.

Martin Narey, chief executive of children's charity Barnardo's said: "This will be a popular move, but the Government would be rash to dilute the scheme dramatically.

Isabella Sankey, of civil liberties group Liberty, said the ISA cast its net too wide: "It is vital that our children are protected but the new Government is right to review the current system."

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