To have been “racially” profiled by HR

[Donotfitin]

I don’t have a British name (like at all), so HR assumed I needed a right to work code, so asked for one, rather than asking if I was a citizen or not.

As a UK citizen I only need to provide my passport, so the whole thing took me completely by surprise!

Its the first time in my whole life that it was assumed that I wasn’t a citizen. I’ve

Yep. It’s extraordinary the way posters on MN react when race is involved, and the lengths they go to defend the wrong behaviour.

Also interested! Link would be really useful

It might be that the person did it on auto-pilot, particularly if most checks they have been undertaking are using the Home Office system, or it could be unconscious bias, yes. In my work, these checks are a regular occurrence and we would never do this as the first step for us is always asking for a copy of the passport (which we need anyway for payroll system, but it also tells us which process we then need to follow for the right to work check).

Me too! Good grief, at least after the first page of clarification people should stop commenting that they ask everyone to prove their right to work. OP is well aware of this!

Sure @Shakshuka4ever and @Megifer here you go. Just go here and if you have a British passport it's very easy https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work/get-a-share-code-online

No she hasn't. It is standard to be asked for proof of your right to work.

It is not standard to jump straight to share code.

A share code is usually used to prove the right to work of a non British citizen

What is so difficult to understand?

Nope. It won’t even let me fill out the form as someone who has only a British passport. Have you managed to generate one for yourself?

You can’t…

As a citizen I don’t have either of the options they’re asking for….

I think we need step by step considering it says you can get it if you are not British citizen and to continue you need UKVI account or BRP.

To be fair, this is about your nationality rather than your race.

It is a strange thing for them to have done.

It does seem a blunder that’s easy to avoid. I think
the op has done the right thing in return. Perhaps they’ll respond and try to patch over the error.

Im stuck already.

When you created your UKVI account what did you select for "when were you granted your most recent permission to come to or stay in the uk?"

The legal definition of racism is not limited to race. It also includes nationality and ethnicity.

So many people have missed the point. HR has just assumed you’re not British based on your name. I would just respond back with, I am British and have a passport, what made you assume I’m not? And see how they respond

Oh and its also saying to create a UKVI account (to generate a code) I need my visa application number.

I didnt even know I had a visa!! Where do I find this?

The point is, a share code is only for a foreign passport. OP has quite correctly stated that if they had asked for her British passport OR a share code, that would have been fine. They have profiled here here by asking only for a code, which means they have presumed she is on a foreign passport, not a British passport.

My workplace does this for everyone. Firstly we have demographic-free recruitment, so the people who select for interview only see application info, not the applicants name, gender, age etc. And then at interview you’re asked to bring a passport or if you don’t have one, a right to work code. That applies to everyone.

But you're not asked for a share code are you? You wouldn't be asked for one because you're British, just like the OP is. So why was the OP treated differently by being asked for something she cannot ever provide?

Yes, totally agree. This is a good response.

People are weirdly defensive about this. It is racial profiling, period.
No one in HR will send an email asking all new recruits to send their share code. They will ask for proof of Right to Work, with a list of the different options.

I followed the link and tried to get a share code by clicking on 'Start now'.

The first question was
"How do you want to access this service?

• using my UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

This includes people who have status under the EU Settlement Scheme

• using my expired biometric residence permit (BRP)

Your BRP must not have expired more than 18 months ago"

I don't have either. Fell at the first hurdle.

I have a British passport.

OP maybe email them back and ask them to clarify. 'Do you mean you would like evidence of my right to work? '

I would be interested to see what they say, but I would be reluctant to start work here. Its not exactly started on the right foot.

Yes, except for OP they skipped asking for her passport and went straight to ask for her code showing she’s allowed to work in the UK because of her name…

School boy/girl error

Safer to assume everyone is a British passport holder than a visa holder

There is every chance that a box was ticked wrong somewhere or someone junior sent out the wrong standard template (possibly having made an assumption on name which would tilt towards profiling).

Either way HR did make a mistake but there is still some ambiguity about why that mistake was cause. Could be an innocent mistake, could be lack of training, could be erroneous assumptions based on a name. The OP has already said she’s sent in her passport. I don’t think some of the more guns blazing suggestions were appropriate.