Companies performing credit checks on you

[anyman]

Hi
Just trying to find a little info hear as to what they can and can not do. So first off dose a company need your permision to perform credit checks on someone? And what is the minimal information they need about you to do so?

So say if an agency or employer or some thing had your name D.O.B. and address then could they just go ahead without your consent?
Thanks

P.S. Google reveals nothing!

[dslippy]

Yes, they can do a credit check. Your consent is not required.

[anyman]

Yes, they can do a credit check. Your consent is not required.

But what info do they need