name change

[Jo2021]

So, I'm due to start a new job next week but am starting the process of changing my name by deed poll.

Can I have my employment contract written up in my new name even though I won't have all my ID documents changed in the time frame I have.

Obviously I have all ID documents needed to take a job in the UK, I'm a UK national, I have all the relevant paperwork and I've never had a problem - ever. But obviously my new employer will need to see all my ID documents to support my new contract.

I want my new contract to reflect the name I'm going to be taking. I won't have time between now and my start date to get all my documents changed and returned with my new name. So if I take all my ID documents with my former name PLUS a copy of my new deed poll, will they accept this as proof of my identity?

Either that or I do it all in my current name and change it in a few weeks.

Which would be better?

NB I really don't want to be using my current name any longer. Like, it makes me sick that I have this name, it needs to be gone.

You need to ask your new employer, nobody here can tell you what they will or won’t do.

I would expect that for your contract, payroll and other benefits (pension, healthcare etc), you will need to use your current official/legal name.

It may be the case that your company will allow you to use a name you prefer to be known as for everything else.

A Deed Poll takes no time at all to sign
there is a standard form on gov.uk and is immediately valid, once witnessed
So there is no reason why they should not use your new name straight away
it is useful to get a driving licence or passport in due course

Hopefully your role doesn't involve any U.K. security clearance.

The sort of change you're proposing sounds like it could cause a significant delay as it involves an identity change.

Irrespective of this, why don't you see your employment process through to its conclusion and then sort out your name change once you're in role. They'll have an in-house process to handle name changes which would be to ensure your email address, IT account and personnel records reflect your new chosen name.

At my work we'd need your contract, payroll ect to be on your legal name, but you can be known in the office and in email as whatever you like.

I've previously worked somewhere where your email much be your legal name, so you can't (for instance) keep your maiden name for work if you change your passport. Which I think is discriminatory bollocks, but that conversation didn't go far...

So in short - talk to the employer. But I'd be amazed if they let you have a contract in an unofficial name.