by business editor Trevor Sturgess

A firm that screens CVs for accuracy and honesty plans to create 20 jobs in Kent.

Jefferson Hunt recently moved from Essex to a new head office in Wateringbury, near Maidstone.

According to research, more than 7.5 million workers - almost a quarter of the nation's working population - have given potential employers misleading information in their CV.

Jefferson Hunt carries out background checks, verifying credit, education and employment histories to make sure businesses find the right applicant.

The company works with a wide range of clients, including banking and financial services, logistics, aerospace, retail and the public sector.

It also operates across Europe and in the United States, India, China, Australasia and Africa.

Locate in Kent, the agency that promotes the county as a good place for business growth, helped Jefferson Hunt throughout the office search and moving process.

It expects growth to enable it to recruit around 20 more people - with accurate CVs - over the next 12 months

The firm's Angus Buchanan hailed the agency's support. He added: "Kent also represented a great opportunity for Jefferson Hunt, since here we have access to a large number of the type of highly experienced and highly-skilled ex-City workers we need to undertake our reports.

"On a personal level, I can also be in the City and in front of clients within an hour - a crucial benefit to our business."

LiK chief executive Paul Wookey said: "The business services industry is strong in Kent, and during this financial year has been one of the top sectors among projects we have assisted.

"It is important that companies such as Jefferson Hunt continue to be attracted by our message that the county's proximity to the City and its cost effective properties make it an unrivalled business location."