Ffs!!!!!

[Cowboy Bob]

I recently heard that it is illegal to make a copy of a passport.

Almost. The law states that it's illegal for anyone to request and/or hold a copy of a passport unless they are specifically licensed to do so - and a recruitment agency almost certainly isn't.

All the OP needs to do is ask to see a copy of their license to hold this information, or he/she won't send it.

[Rantor]

where do you get really cheap lager?

Shurely 3 litre bottles of own-brand cyder for the discerning drop-out?

Also, whats been happening in neighbours this last decade?

[hattra]

Had the same thing at current clients - passport, driving license, etc - now they want me to clock in, which I'm ignoring for now.

I asked them to justify the requests, which they did in terms of health & safety law, aviation transport security regs (they get regular inspections) etc. I noted the reasons for IR35, and complied - none of it was for "employment" purposes, though they did seem a bit confused about why they wanted the driving license.

If you're opted out, then the agency doesn't need any of this stuff anyway, though it might be an idea to give them you bank account details, just so they can pay you ! If they are concerned about whether it's a company bank account, they can then call your bank for confirmation that it's a business bank account

Bank statements, though, no way - none of their business.

[SallyAnne]

I've given agencies copies of my passport before - never thought anything of it. Its not like I keep details of references on there or anything

[Burdock]

Also, whats been happening in neighbours this last decade?

[off topic] Well, Sky Mangel has grown up quite a lot

[malvolio]

Actually a cipy of a passport proves nothing. The only valid proof is if you show them the original with you holding it for comparison. They can then take a B&W copy for their own records.

Last time I had this, I offered to guarantee that all MyCo's staff were legally working in the UK. The agent went back to the client (BP, fairly small company, you may have heard of them) who agreed. Polite letter saying MyCo would carry the can if any of its staff failed the check and that was that.

[Swiss Tony]

The only valid reason for them doing this that I can think of, (and its a long shot at that) is for money laundering.

All you need for that is a proof of ID and a proof of address. Passport or Driver’s License will do, firearms certification if you have one! And then a utility bill from your address or your companies address dated within the last 3 months.

You can go and show them your ID as there is no need for it to be copied anymore, but it may mean a trip down to some dippy HR dolly who doesn’t know her ar*e from her elbow.

[VectraMan]

Surely they can find out the name of the bank account, and if it ends in "limited" it's probably not a person.

I understand the point that it's not you it's the company they're dealing with, but banks and the like as for ID for company directors. So look at it in terms of checking out the company by looking at the directors, not checking out the individual that is doing the work.