Reply to: Identity checks...

[TestMangler]

My passport doesn't say Kevin Klein either!

Or 'X Small' for that matter

[perplexed]

They suspect that one or more people working on site have a suspicious background and they can't audit them directly by asking them to submit proof of identity so they are doing it company wide.

Hmm. That would require a level of cunning and innovative thinking that, based upon my experiences on site so far, doesn't tally very well...

[Wanderer]

Been working on client site since April; all of a sudden everyone, permies, contractors alike, have been asked to provide documentation for proof of identity - for no reason other than it's a "company audit". We've all been asked to hold off as CRB checks will be performed soon enough so "no need to duplicate the process".

They suspect that one or more people working on site have a suspicious background and they can't audit them directly by asking them to submit proof of identity so they are doing it company wide.

[PinkPoshRat]

If you try photocopying the photo page of a new-ish passport, the facial part will come out all black and unrecognisable - so I'm told.

[SimonMac]

My passport doesn't say Hugo Boss. They must have made a mistake.

My passport doesn't say Kevin Klein either!

[SueEllen]

I was under the impression it was illegal to take a colour copy and use it as a substitute to the real thing or with the intention to deceive someone. To copy it as proof you have one or what it says on it is not.

Probably but why take a colour copy when a black and white will have all the information you need, is cheaper to do and is worthless to a fraudster?

[northernladuk]

Black and white copies with the word "COPY" on it are no use to anyone.

Coloured copies are apparently illegal to take as they are useful.

I was under the impression it was illegal to take a colour copy and use it as a substitute to the real thing or with the intention to deceive someone. To copy it as proof you have one or what it says on it is not.

[SueEllen]

What tends to happen in these scenarios - do they just check the ID or do they take a copy.

Personally, although I have no problem in providing ID, I'd be wary of a copy of my passport being stored when it isn't strictly necessary.

Black and white copies with the word "COPY" on it are no use to anyone.

Coloured copies are apparently illegal to take as they are useful.

[Clippy]

What tends to happen in these scenarios - do they just check the ID or do they take a copy.

Personally, although I have no problem in providing ID, I'd be wary of a copy of my passport being stored when it isn't strictly necessary.

[SueEllen]

I'm well aware of those regulations.

I'm just wary this isn't the reason, more so that some pen pusher can tick the odd box. And if you worked here, you'd know why I would be worried - organised it ain't.

I'll probably provide the information. My rationale for seking people's thoughts is due to the request coming mid-contract; whereas the relevance of confirming I am who I say I am would surely have been prior to the start date.

Agreed.

However showing them your passport to make them happy isn't going to kill you.

It's likely someone in some department really mucked up and to save face they are checking everyones documents.

[northernladuk]

I'm well aware of those regulations.

I'm just wary this isn't the reason, more so that some pen pusher can tick the odd box. And if you worked here, you'd know why I would be worried - organised it ain't.

I'll probably provide the information. My rationale for seking people's thoughts is due to the request coming mid-contract; whereas the relevance of confirming I am who I say I am would surely have been prior to the start date.

Ah ok. Well an audit is what it says. A re-check of what they think is the status to make absolutely sure so can happen anytime and probably more than once. I wouldn't be too concerned about this aspect.

The clients organisation I can't comment on. That would have to be a judgement call from you. If you were worried you could chase down the source of these and sit with them while they confirm and then watch them destroy your info.

[northernladuk]

I check to see the name sewn into my underpants, if I am who I think I am I have passed my own stringent checks

My passport doesn't say Hugo Boss. They must have made a mistake.

[perplexed]

I'm well aware of those regulations.

I'm just wary this isn't the reason, more so that some pen pusher can tick the odd box. And if you worked here, you'd know why I would be worried - organised it ain't.

I'll probably provide the information. My rationale for seking people's thoughts is due to the request coming mid-contract; whereas the relevance of confirming I am who I say I am would surely have been prior to the start date.

[northernladuk]

New(ish) legislation has made it the companies responsibility to make sure people working for them are eligble to work in the UK. Agents (I believe) are under the same obligation so will often be asked by them to supply similar evidence.

I have had the same request from two different clients to give them a copy of my passport to prove I can work in the UK. I saw no problems in doing this, I have already given a lot more important info to the agents/client to be paid. Photocopied it, signed it and handed it in just like everyone else. No probs.

You could of course argue it, kick up a stink and then be the only one in the entire organisation that doesn't which would make you highly popular.

Choice is yours.

[perplexed]

I check to see the name sewn into my underpants, if I am who I think I am I have passed my own stringent checks

I used to do the same, till one day I looked and found my wife's name.

I then realised it was a weekend...