Agency want my NI number before send my CV to client

[strawberrysmoothie]

Hi,

spoke to an agency last week about a role. Money was ok and they were keen to send my cv to the client but they want my national insurance number.

What the hell for? It's not as if I've had a job offer.

I don't understand for what purpose it serves.

Can anyone enlighten me?

[Moscow Mule]

Can anyone enlighten me?

It's a weak way of "proving" you're eligible to work in the UK.

It doesn't, obviously, but agency HR/legal aren't always the sharpest sandwich in the picnic.

[SueEllen]

Give them a fake one i.e. scramble your digits.

[BolshieBastard]

Hi,

spoke to an agency last week about a role. Money was ok and they were keen to send my cv to the client but they want my national insurance number.

What the hell for? It's not as if I've had a job offer.

I don't understand for what purpose it serves.

Can anyone enlighten me?

Is this ardeco? They were the preferred agency at my last client although I wasnt through them but they kept asking for my NI number.

[strawberrysmoothie]

No. its not aredeco (I would say who they were, but not sure what the policy is about that sort of thing) .

I frankly can't see the point the question. it's bloody stupid.

I won't lie, I'm tempted to give them a made NI number.

[SueEllen]

No. its not aredeco (I would say who they were, but not sure what the policy is about that sort of thing) .

I frankly can't see the point the question. it's bloody stupid.

I won't lie, I'm tempted to give them a made NI number.

Then do it.

If you search on this board there was a recent thread about NI numbers. Consensus was that:
1. That agencies has no need for the number what so ever
2. That you are advised from another government agency not to give people who don't need your NI number your NI number

[memyselfandi]

I have had a similar issue where they are asking for passport details/driving license details.

I just tell them that I will provide details once I get an offer.

They have also asked for references prior to sending my CV. I think this is a dodgy way of getting contacts in companies so they can pester them for openings.

Again, I just tell them that I will not give out references unless I get an offer, or at least an interview.

[strawberrysmoothie]

Then do it.

If you search on this board there was a recent thread about NI numbers. Consensus was that:
1. That agencies has no need for the number what so ever
2. That you are advised from another government agency not to give people who don't need your NI number your NI number

thanks sue ellen, I like number 2 i will tell them that.