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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To worry about sending a photo of my passport

20 replies

Heavyrain · 09/08/2019 20:30

Need opinions please. Wanting to try a bit of work as a TV extra. Have discovered that companies need your national insurance number to pay you, which is understandable, but they also need a photo of your passport as proof of right to work in the uk. This photo is of the important page with your photo, dob, place of birth and Pport number etc on it. Trouble is this seems to be across the board so I don’t think there’s any way around it.
Will I have to accept that I need to send this if I want to do this type of work. I worry about people having so much info and eg being able to steal identity.
Anyone else done this kind of work, and do they feel ok about sending this?

OP posts:

Yesisaidthat · 09/08/2019 20:33

I don’t think reputable agencies would ask to see a photo, they would want maybe a passport number as photo Id but a national insurance number is proof you can work when it’s checked. I wouldn’t send a photo of a passport

mindutopia · 09/08/2019 20:37

I’ve had to submit a copy of my passport for every job I’ve ever had (I’m an academic, not in tv). I think it’s quite normal to have to show a form of ID to have on file. I guess it comes down to if you want the work?

Lazypuppy · 09/08/2019 20:37

Everywhere i have ever worked takes s copy of your passport. It shows your right to work

CloserIAm2Fine · 09/08/2019 20:39

I think it’s standard for most jobs these days. The government expect employers to have verified employees are entitled to work in the UK.

Pipandmum · 09/08/2019 20:39

I have to submit a copy of my passport when I buy a house and to the solicitor if it’s been a few months (I buy and sell for a living). So half the estate agents and a few solicitors have them on file. Wouldn’t worry about it.

rainbowunicorn · 09/08/2019 20:48

It is standard to have your passport copied as proof of your right to work in the UK. I employ dozens of people every year and this is the standard way to confirm the right to work. It is not just because it is TV any job you applied for would ask the same. Each company will have its own method of storing this information so it is compliant with the law.

Original poster

Heavyrain · 09/08/2019 20:48

Thanks so far. Yes it’s a photo I need to send.
So the general consensus seems to be that it’s normal. I just worry about them having all this info as well as my sort code and account number ( of course they will need this to pay me ) and I’ve never met them! But I’ve looked into it and it seems to be the case with all the agencies I can find. Unless anyone knows any different...

OP posts:

pensionpot · 09/08/2019 20:50

Standard requirement for all jobs unfortunately

rainbowunicorn · 09/08/2019 20:53

It is the law in the UK OP anyone that you work for must have verified your right to work in the UK. It doesn't matter if it is an agency for TV work or any other type of employment. It is standard. If you went to work for Tesco or anywhere else they would need the same as you are being asked for by the agency.

malmi · 09/08/2019 22:17

If you have a passport they must take a copy of it to establish your right to work.

If you didn't have one, as a UK citizen, they could use an official letter showing your NI number and your birth certificate instead. They would need to make a copy of both documents.

AuditAngel · 09/08/2019 22:21

If you have any concerns about providing a copy of your passport (which is a fairly standard request these days) ask to see a copy of their privacy notice and data security and data retention policies.

Gatoadigrado · 09/08/2019 22:23

Standard.

Grumpyunleashed · 09/08/2019 23:46

What happens if you don’t have a passport?

Cheeserton · 09/08/2019 23:49

All jobs...

Loads of people don't actually have passports you know.

HouseholdPlantMurderer · 09/08/2019 23:56

national insurance number is proof you can work when it’s checked

It's not by itself. I always have to provide passport or ID.
As British citizen you can use birth or adoption certificate if you don't have a passport.

There is also online check option I think

Rtmhwales · 10/08/2019 00:02

NI number alone wouldn't be enough for think. I have one and I'm foreign and only was able to work with a visa. That visa's expired now but I still have an NI number obviously, but no right to work.

rainbowunicorn · 10/08/2019 00:02

@Cheeserton if an employee does not have a passport then it is required by law that the employer obtains the applicants NI number and a copy of their birth certificate.

This has been standard for some time now. It does not matter what the job is, in order to comply with law all employers must do this for any new employees. If they are not getting this information then they are breaking the law.

Cheeserton · 10/08/2019 00:06

if an employee does not have a passport then it is required by law that the employer obtains the applicants NI number and a copy of their birth certificate.
Well yes, exactly. A passport isn't necessarily required. There are other forms of evidence that can be used.

mommydragon · 10/08/2019 11:45

I have never had anyone asking for passport copy at application or interview stage, but yes have always had to bring in original for HR to take a copy at time of signing the contract once the employment for position has been confirmed.

HouseholdPlantMurderer · 10/08/2019 12:03

I had to always bring ID to interviews.
"Please make sure you bring valid identification or xxx to your interview"
I thought it's a standard for everyone? I get it. Why would they waste time on interviewing someone who can't take a job. But they didn't take copies at that point. That was after a job offer.

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