Agency needs copy of passport - “Opt Out” of the Conduct of Employment Agencies 2003

[mekool]

I have told the agency that I don't want to “Opt Out” of the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations 2003.

They have now asked me for a copy of my passport.

I am happy to send them a copy but just want to know if there are any implications of sending it to them. Anything I am missing which I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance!!

[Eirikur]

Did they offer you a contract already? If not don't send anything.

BTW I don't think it depends on opting in or out, they always ask for a copy of my passport no matter whether I opt in or out

[mekool]

CapitalCity vs InTouch

Yes, the offer is on the table and I need to move things fast at my end.

[northernladuk]

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ac...ntractoruk.com

Passports are required to check you are eligible to work in the UK. Has nothing to do with Opt in/out although they do have a greater obligation to do checks on you if you are opted in.

[kevpuk]

Although, as had been said on here previously, a remote passport viewing is not all that strong in terms of identity. IIRC, to be a full check, you need to present in person?
However, it shows efforts have been made to confirm your identity, I guess....

[mekool]

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ac...ntractoruk.com

Passports are required to check you are eligible to work in the UK. Has nothing to do with Opt in/out although they do have a greater obligation to do checks on you if you are opted in.

Thanks very much.

Yes, checking the eligibility to work is fine, but the agency tells me that --

"As you will not be opting out, could you please send a scanned copy of your passport. "

[northernladuk]

Thanks very much.

Yes, checking the eligibility to work is fine, but the agency tells me that --

"As you will not be opting out, could you please send a scanned copy of your passport. "

Well a scanned copy of your passport isn't sufficient to prove who you are anyway. I guess they understand that and are willing to take the risk.

I would just ask them why they want the info and if it is as suspected then just send them it. Make sure you have an offer and this is part of the on boarding process though. Don't send them anything unless you are preparing to start a contract.

[craig1]

Alternatively, just shrug, send them the scanned passport photo and get on with starting in your nice new gig.

I have my passport photo scanned in a folder containing my other agent pack details such as scans of my VAT certificate and certificate of incorporation. As soon as they offer me a role they get it sent to them whether they ask for it or not. Most agencies these days are happy with that, including just the scanned passport, and get on with issuing me a contract. I've found that it saves a few days of messing around with agents asking for some things then coming back days later for others.

[LisaContractorUmbrella]

For ID purposes the agency should be asking for an original passport (or other photo document such as a driving licence) or an authorised copy https://www.gov.uk/certifying-a-document

[craig1]

For ID purposes the agency should be asking for an original passport (or other photo document such as a driving licence) or an authorised copy https://www.gov.uk/certifying-a-document

They should, but most in my experience don't. Looking back at my last 7 years of work, I've not been asked once in that time to provide original or certified copies of ID documents. Early 2007 I remember having to do so but then that was an exception for a more tightly controlled role.