I registered with this recruitment agency and was supposed to have a meeting last week but that had to be rescheduled. When I phoned up today to arrange a new date for the meeting, I was asked to bring in my passport (something that wasn't mentioned before). The lady said it was so that they knew people were who they said they were, but again, this is something she didn't mention before. For the record, I've got a British passport but this just seems strange to me. No agency has ever asked me this before. I'm thinking it might be because I haven't got an English-sounding surname.
Your input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
2007-01-29 00:08:24 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
It's actually illegal not to register you without proof of nationality, if they are found out for employng you without having the right to work in UK they can PERSONALLY be fined a lot of money as well as the company fined as well. So for other agencies not doing theirwork and asking you before that's pretty bad. Don't worry about the surname, they have to ask everyone even if their surname is Smith for example otherwise that is discrimination.
Just to add: Recruitment consultants also need to meet you to establish that relationship with you especially if you are going to be temping with them, and it's imperative to see that the ID matches up with who they are talking to. I always asked to meet all my applicants when I worked as a consultant because you get a better idea of what types of job they are looking for and I was much more effective at getting people the jobs they wanted that way - also you wouldn't expect a company to employ you if you'd never been for an interview would you?
2007-01-29 00:14:30 · answer #1 · answered by JoJi 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was considering launching into a massive rant on how I think Recruitment Agencies are scum of the earth but I will refrain. I will just answer the question instead.
No Its normal to have to take your passport, I wouldn't even bother going to meet them there is nothing you can't establish over the phone or email. Some will even tell you its now the law?? its a load of guff.
What is the point in going and filling out a stupid application form that is just duplicating all the info on your CV and answering a few extra questions like what is your notice period, how much money do you want and what areas do you want to work in.
I would be wary of any agency who demands you come in.
2007-01-29 00:22:58 · answer #2 · answered by Dark_Mushroom 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This is totally normal - as the lady at the agency said, all it is for is to verify your identity.
I've had to produce id for any agency I've registered with. Also when I've been for job interviews I've had to hand over my passport to be photocopied, even before I was offered any job.
Any way, it's nothing to worry about, probably the reason you've not been asked before is that some companies are more relaxed than others about these kind of rules.
2007-01-29 00:16:11 · answer #3 · answered by gotaquestion123 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
varoious bits of legislation have been passed over the last few years as this dire governemtn has tried to cover up its incompetance on immigration & Asylum
There is now a duty placed on employers to demonstrate that they are only employing people allowed to work in the UK. If they employe illegals unless they can demonstrate they took all reasonable steps then they are treated heavily by INS (meeaning big fines).
A means of doing this is to provide a passport. If the agency you are working for is legit then they may want it for their won records (ie to to amke sure they only place people with proper credentials) or they may be the employer themsleve if they are placing temporary staff
its entirely possible that the agency may be aasking for this because of your name.. but I dont think they would be able to do this under the various discrmiantion legislation... So Im guessing they would do this for any prospective recruit
2007-01-29 00:20:18 · answer #4 · answered by Mark J 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just say you haven't got a passport. Not every British person has got one, anyway. In fact, some foreigners who have gained residency in the UK are not required to own a passport. Tell'em you are taking your Driving License. That should suffice if it's a photo license.
2007-01-29 00:22:34 · answer #5 · answered by Luvfactory 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES!
as recruitment agencies and the like are often audited to check that the companies that take on staff are have not on an illegal
immigrant, as the new employment laws make it an offence to do so .
2007-01-29 00:11:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have registered with several agencies and I had to take my passport to show with each one.
It has nothing to do with not having an english sounding surname at all.
It is just how it is - another rule and regulation.
2007-01-29 00:40:54 · answer #7 · answered by See it as 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is normally requested. It probably just slipped her mind to ask for it. I am South African and I have always submitted a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae together with a certified copy of my Identity doc, certified qualifications and certified references from previous employers. It's nothing personal - just business. If they happen to send you on an interview and you land the job, you'll be required to submit your ID anyway. Proof of Identity is essential. I am even required to provide my ID book when I transfer my rental pmt from my savings acc. into the agents account! So no, nothing fishy is going on...we all have to do it.
2007-01-29 00:26:35 · answer #8 · answered by Bite Me 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's normal. Employers need to verify your identity and that you have the legal right to work in the countty. This is a basic part of the hiring process.
2007-01-29 00:13:41 · answer #9 · answered by TaxGurl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds normal to me - You usually have to have a copy of your passport on file in your job anyway.
2007-01-29 00:13:14 · answer #10 · answered by bumblebee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋