Agency insisting I show them my passport personally

[Bryn Rogers]

This is a new one to me.

Asking for a copy of my passport = fine.
Insisting I take it into their offices personally = not fine.

Is this a new UK wide thing, or are they being assy?

Im a limited company, so its a company-company contract.

[northernladuk]

This is a new one to me.

Asking for a copy of my passport = fine.
Insisting I take it into their offices personally = not fine.

Is this a new UK wide thing, or are they being assy?

Im a limited company, so its a company-company contract.

Just do it. What is the problem? Are you willing to risk your contract just because you won't carry out a simple request?

There is now a legal requirement for companies to make sure their workers are allowed to work here which is done by a passport check.

ok ok this rule doesn't completely apply to the agency but what is wrong with a company doing a bit of due diligence to make sure that the person they are putting forward is in the clear so as not exposing their client to risk? With IT being flooded by migrant work I think this is a perfectly reasonable thing. At the end of the day it is protecting you and me so illegals aren't taking work that we can do..

If you are really bothered ask them about how they store your data and all that.

Waiting for someone to come on now and say 'Tell them to stuff it or walk. </yawn>

[Bryn Rogers]

Just do it. What is the problem? Are you willing to risk your contract just because you won't carry out a simple request?

There is now a legal requirement for companies to make sure their workers are allowed to work here which is done by a passport check.

ok ok this rule doesn't completely apply to the agency but what is wrong with a company doing a bit of due diligence to make sure that the person they are putting forward is in the clear so as not exposing their client to risk? With IT being flooded by migrant work I think this is a perfectly reasonable thing. At the end of the day it is protecting you and me so illegals aren't taking work that we can do..

If you are really bothered ask them about how they store your data and all that.

Waiting for someone to come on now and say 'Tell them to stuff it or walk. </yawn>

The problem is that It'll be at my expense on time I could be working, incoveniencing my client and me losing money.

It doesnt seem to matter that I have contracted at this company for 3.5 years previously, also a photocopy in the mail wont suffice too.

I realize theres been a law change recently, but does it say, 'you must come in person to prove who you are, photocopies in the mail are not good enough', thats the bit Im questioning.

[Moscow Mule]

I realize theres been a law change recently, but does it say, 'you must come in person to prove who you are, photocopies in the mail are not good enough', thats the bit Im questioning.

It's easily doctorable, there are countless posts on the board of folks whining about having to send a photocopy, and it actually being useless unless you accompany it on the first instance.

That said, you should be able to persuade the agency that yourco warrants all employees are able to work in the UK legally and that you indemnify them against any proceedings bought due to this legislation. Or something.

[northernladuk]

The problem is that It'll be at my expense on time I could be working, incoveniencing my client and me losing money.

Life is hard. I don't know the exact situation you are in but it sounds like an extension if you mention being with the company for 3.5 years. If so why can't you bill the time? It is for them at the end of the day. Negotiate. I am sure the client will understand that by proving who you are and are legal is alot less inconveniece to a client compared to them getting sued for having illegals around. They had to do it to everyone of their perm employees so they will understand. If it is for a new contract then losing a morning pay is small potatoes compared to a nice new lucrative contract surely? Other option is don't go and lose the contract........ Then you will lose some money... your call

It doesnt seem to matter that I have contracted at this company for 3.5 years previously, also a photocopy in the mail wont suffice too.

Nope it doesn't. What is to say you have been working illegaly for them for three years. A certain scottish baroness fell foul of this law so it happens to everyone. Photocopy in mail is hardly proving your identity is it really. Kinda goes against everything the whole exercise is supposed to achieve.

I realize theres been a law change recently, but does it say, 'you must come in person to prove who you are, photocopies in the mail are not good enough', thats the bit Im questioning.

How can you question it. Some baisc common sense needs applying here. I can take a photocopy of a photoshop'd passport from the guy next to me and send it via post. What did that achieve? The whole idea is to match you to your ID. Would you be happy if your bank allowed people to get your personal details based on that level of identification? I think not.

You can question it as much as you want and I am sure you are right, there isn't really a legal reason for you to go in but in this case the people that want to give you a job want you to do something that is quite reasonable in order for you to continue working for them. What are you going to do? Say no?

Sorry to sound a bit harsh but I can't see the problem here to be honest. I am glad people are taking the effort to make sure the right people are working legally. Bit more of this in other industries and we might be in a better position IMHO

[malvolio]

Actually a passport is only proof of ID if presented by its holder in person. Rahter than complain, be grateful you have met an agent that knows the rules.

Mine travelled from Manchester to Bristol to see my passport. He did buy me a rather nice lunch though...

[mavster07]

Actually, its a legal requirement that agencies vett the visa documents of all contractors who are foreign nationals.

If they are asking you to this and your agreement is with them, then I would make sure they are aware that you will bill for the time, and they should agree that with their 'client' (your end client). Again, negotiate....

If they are that remote then I'd make them come to site at a 'later time' and send an electronic copy in or ask if the 'end client' can sight it on Day 1 of your contract. There are always ways around it.

[Bryn Rogers]

The previous 3.5 yr contract finished about 4 years go. Im going back there shortly. 'Life is hard' sounds like sour grapes to me. I have worked hard to get into my position, I deserve this.

Im simply questioning the fact that i have to turn up in person, and whether thats part of the law or is it just an add-on law, so to speak that the agency have added.

Ill look into billing them for my time. Thanks for your comments all.

[Wanderer]

ask if the 'end client' can sight it on Day 1 of your contract. There are always ways around it.

In the past I've always been able to do this stuff over the phone, scanned (or photograhed) my ID and emailed it to them.

I'd definately offer to show the ID to the client at the starting time (otherwise how would they know who you are!). Maybe they have a rep onsite somewhere or a trusted third party close to you who can sight your ID for them. If the agency is a long way away then invite them to meet you half way. There's got to be some way to do it. Depends how far away the agency is really but I wouldn't kick up too much of a tulipstorm over it though. It's part of doing business really and you need to grin and bear it.

[Wanderer]

And what if one has no passport? So far as I'm aware, they ain't compulsory.

Other forms of ID are available....