They DO NOT need to hold a copy of your passport if you are opted out.

[northernladuk]

The one that makes me think carefully is references. Clearly don't want my references hassled. My solution is to use agency references, then they can ring each other up.

That's not really your solution. That is the standard one everyone should be doing.

Also so called Employment history seems to be extremely poorly defined. So I've been continuously employed by my Ltd. for the last 20 years or so. Why do I need to show gaps in my contracting history? or even more confusing is when you put down multiple overlapping contracts. So you remove an overlapping contract, then they come back and ask you for a reference to cover the gap.

You have to think why they want this. The terminology doesn't matter, they just need to know you have been at large and on the radar. Breaks could indicate a holiday at Her Majesties pleasure or other untoward activities. You are getting too hung up on the details and missing the reason for the questions.

Copy of the passport isn't a big deal.

Agreed. It should really be the standard so should be thankful when we are not asked for it.

Another annoyance is when you get the contract and they ask for all this nonsense on e-mail. Then turn around and ask for hard copies as well.

The whole reference checking thing is unnecessarily complex and over blown.

I would disagree with this. They have a duty of care and have to cover their own arses. You can't begrudge them wanting hard copies to keep as proof and they have an obligation, particularly when opted in to check everything.

[Wanderer]

I know a colleague who is partially sighted, so no Drivers License and doesn't have a passport.

What is your plan now all knowing one?

Like I said, just tell the person doing the checks "But I'm British, innit" and everything will be fine.

Do you think the Government are completely stupid and overlooked the fact that there were millions of people living and working in the UK who don't hold a passport or driving license? Do you wonder if there is an list of alternative documents (eg, UK birth cert and P45) that someone can produce?.

[Gordon Ice]

Chaps, this is a cyclical argument. The agencies are too risk averse to do anything but follow their process, even though 90% of the time what they are doing has no real value or legal standing. Also, of course, they have told their clients that they will verify IDs and rights to work, so that's what they're doing.

We can, of course, go to a solicitor and get them to stamp and verify a statement that they have seen you holding your passport, utility bills and assorted other proofs demonstrating you are who you say you are and are allowed to be here. Costs around £10, and copies can be used for anyone else that needs that information - such as agencies. But that's far too logical and straightforward and will save time, effort and concerns over DPA. So it will never catch on.

Yep this is a cyclical argument and totally misses the point which this particular pimp is making. For him no compliance = no gig; so you either tell him to shove it or suck it up and get on with more important matters (e.g. billing).

[SueEllen]

The one that makes me think carefully is references. Clearly don't want my references hassled. My solution is to use agency references, then they can ring each other up.

Also so called Employment history seems to be extremely poorly defined. So I've been continuously employed by my Ltd. for the last 20 years or so. Why do I need to show gaps in my contracting history? or even more confusing is when you put down multiple overlapping contracts. So you remove an overlapping contract, then they come back and ask you for a reference to cover the gap.

Your employer is legally your limited and you should put your limited as the employer unless there are explanatory notes stating otherwise.

In the cases where they put employer with no explanatory notes they tend to want to know who your accountant is.

Copy of the passport isn't a big deal.

Another annoyance is when you get the contract and they ask for all this nonsense on e-mail. Then turn around and ask for hard copies as well.

The whole reference checking thing is unnecessarily complex and over blown.

Agreed. They should ask for the hard copies only As the Home Office isn't interested in a photocopy or scan if they can't claim to have seen the hard copy.