Passport, utility bill, p45 etc...

[Badger27]

Have been asked for all of this from agent before they put me forward - 1st time I've experienced this in 12 years of contracting - they claim this is normal procedure (they also want 2 referees of course) - do I detect some sort of identity theft ?

[SueEllen]

They are treating you like a temp not a contractor.

[Ruse]

I also experienced something similar for the first time last week, although they only asked me for my passport details. I just said I wasn't comfortable handing this over at this stage and I would be happy to provide it direct to client on receiving an offer of a contract. Agent said ok but I didn't get an interview, which is nothing strange in current climate but I was suspicous whether agent ever did forward my CV. I know the job existed as it was confirmed by a couple of other agencies.

Who is the agency in your case ?

[Badger27]

The agent is an outfit called London Top Recruitment

[original PM]

they are checking your proof of right to work in the UK.

problem is if you are a contractor running your own ltd then it is your co which employs you and not the agency and as such it is your co's responsibility to ensure its employees (e.g. you) have a right to work in the uk

but as someone else posted there is no way agents will understand this.......

[singhr]

For the sake of all your brother/sister contractors you need to push back on this tulip as much as you can. I avoid it by writing a letter saying 'I warrant that the company has all the necessary insurances etc.' and they leave it alone. If I don't give a toss, I ask them to supply me with a copy of their company's diversification, disability and environmental policies before I will do business with them.

[Paddy]

Have been asked for all of this from agent before they put me forward - 1st time I've experienced this in 12 years of contracting - they claim this is normal procedure (they also want 2 referees of course) - do I detect some sort of identity theft ?

With the current spate of identity theft would you be happing in doing this? Don’t do it.

[Wirefan]

Agencies have a responsibility to carry out eligability checks on all candidates prior to being put forward to a client - regardless as to whether they are temp, LTD, Umbrella, or Permanent. Proof of eligibility to work in the UK is very topical and we all hold a responsibilty as agents to ensure that these checks are carried out and recorded. Some take the decision to ignore this,

The correct time to do the checks is at CV submission stage, however most agents simply wait til an offer stage - either because they are too lazy, or do not understand the correct procedure.

Best endeavours come in to play though. For example, you cannot, as an agent be held responsible for failing to spot a suspect passport. So long as you have requested documents which in your opinion are genuine on receipt, and hold this as proof that you have made the checks.

heavy fines can be implemented on both agency, consultant and end client if found not to have carried out checks.

Jonathan
Morson International

[nomadd]

With the current spate of identity theft would you be happing in doing this? Don’t do it.

+1

I've just started a contract with an IB. It wasn't until after the interview and the formal offer of a contract that any references or utility/passport stuff was required. My last 2 contracts before this gig were also in finance, and again I wasn't asked for anything until after I'd accepted the contract.

Seems like the OP is being BS'd by and agent to me.

Nomadd

[Hex]

Agencies have a responsibility to carry out eligability checks on all candidates prior to being put forward to a client - regardless as to whether they are temp, LTD, Umbrella, or Permanent.

Are you saying this is a legal requirement or just a responsibility you have decided for yourself that you need to take on? If you are saying it is a legal requirement then can you point us to what legislation requires you to carry out eligibility checks on Limited Companies?