Voluntary registration with the VBS for new employees and job-movers working or volunteering with children and vulnerable adults was due to start on 26 July.

This registration has now been stopped.

The government recognises that many businesses, community groups and individuals see the current scheme as disproportionate and overly burdensome, and that it unduly infringes on civil liberties.

Statement from the Home Secretary

Theresa May said,'The safety of children and vulnerable adults is of paramount importance to the new government.

'However it is also vital that we take a measured approach in these matters. We’ve listened to the criticisms and will respond with a scheme that has been fundamentally remodelled.

'Vulnerable groups must be properly protected in a way that is proportionate and sensible. This redrawing of the vetting and barring scheme will ensure this happens.'

Statement from Care Services Minister

Paul Burstow said,'Protecting the most vulnerable people in society is a basic duty of any government. While we must be confident that the systems we have in place are up to the job, we must also be sure that they are proportionate.

'We will look in detail at what should be done to ensure that the scheme meets both these tests.'

The VBS is designed to protect children and vulnerable adults by preventing those who pose a known risk from gaining access to them through their work.

To read the full press release, click here