Passport for work?

Admiral Huddy

Admiral Huddy

Admiral Huddy

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Joined
17 Feb 2003
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Location
Chelmsford
HR has asked us all to bring in our passports for inspection and so they can keep a copy for their records. I've been here 10 years and it's the first time I've been asked. Is this something to do with new immigration laws?

The way I see it, a passports purpose is to provide identity through immigration and not as a generic identity document.

My passport has actually expired and I'm not getting a new one until next year. They have told me this is "unacceptable". I've told them there is a £20 administration charge, which didn't go down to well.

Personally, I've nothing to hide but I see it as a liberty.

Anyone else had the same and feels the same way.
 
You're a contractor aren't you Huddy?

If you are then it's probably down to both immigration and money laundering regulations. You should really supply a copy of your passport to your agent when you sign-up with them to prove you are who you say you are, but most agents are so lax on this that I've not had to show any proof of ID for at least three years.

You HR dept probably got a roasting in their last SOX audit.
 
seems like someone at your work has read something wrong and got carried away somewhere

should have told them you dont have one and seen what they said. if your not leaving the country then what reason is there to ever have one ?
 
Sounds like someone in HR has got a little confused, I would have thought that it is none of their business.
 
J.B said:
Every job I've had I've had to provide a copy of my passport.
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Same so far after leaving Uni.

However, I would have thought a Birth Cert would be just as acceptable as a passport.


Tell them to "do one" and see what they say!
 
[DOD]Asprilla;12617430 said:
You're a contractor aren't you Huddy?

If you are then it's probably down to both immigration and money laundering regulations. You should really supply a copy of your passport to your agent when you sign-up with them to prove you are who you say you are, but most agents are so lax on this that I've not had to show any proof of ID for at least three years.

You HR dept probably got a roasting in their last SOX audit.
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not for the last 5 years.. I was working as a contractor for over 10 years before hand though. None of the contractors have been asked to provide such ID.

[DOD]Asprilla;12617536 said:
I think Huddy works for a bank so photo ID would be required, especially since you can walk into the records office and get a copy of any birth certificate you want.
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I do and see your point but it assumes that everyone is in possession of a passport. There are a few here who don't because they don't trvel so why would they buy a passport just for ID at work?
 
Admiral Huddy said:
My passport has actually expired and I'm not getting a new one until next year. They have told me this is "unacceptable". I've told them there is a £20 administration charge, which didn't go down to well.
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Logically I don't see how this matters. You are still the person in the passport. Bit like Dara O'Briain joke on the matter. Passport might be expired but he's still the guy in the photo.
 
[DOD]Asprilla;12617536 said:
I think Huddy works for a bank so photo ID would be required, especially since you can walk into the records office and get a copy of any birth certificate you want.
Click to expand...

I also work for a bank and am in work with my Birth Cert opposite me because I needed to bring it in to validate my pension or something ;)

They also do have a copy of my passport, however, the Birth Cert was needed and validated by a solicitor to join pension scheme.


Edit: Also you need to speak with your "HR" department. Saying that you don't have a passport is "unacceptable" is "unacceptable" in my eyes. And like someone else said, an expired passport should do the trick - if they want a new in-date one - get them to pay the 20 notes.
 
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[DOD]Asprilla;12617536 said:
I think Huddy works for a bank so photo ID would be required, especially since you can walk into the records office and get a copy of any birth certificate you want.
Click to expand...

Is it not possible to get signatures off of people nowadays for photos? ie docters / law people etc, same way you have to before applying for a passport.

Would this not be sufficient as well as the birth certificate.
 
Everyone at my company has just been asked to provide proof of visa/work permits even if they are a UK citizen, looks like its a national thing.

KaHn
 
KaHn said:
Everyone at my company has just been asked to provide proof of visa/work permits even if they are a UK citizen, looks like its a national thing.

KaHn
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Mine will be next then!

Luckily I have a passport, but I would have thought there is an alternative for people who do not have one...Not everyone goes on holiday abroad as stated, and not everyone has come to live here and work from abroad...So hey.
 
Admiral Huddy said:
not for the last 5 years.. I was working as a contractor for over 10 years before hand though. None of the contractors have been asked to provide such ID.
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Hah. They were really hot on it about 5 years ago, but now it's dropped off. It appears they will let anyone in without bothering to check who they are. Does no-one bother about security these days?

Admiral Huddy said:
I do and see your point but it assumes that everyone is in possession of a passport. There are a few here who don't because they don't travel so why would they buy a passport just for ID at work?
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It will all be ok when we all have ID cards,the corresponding barcode tattooed on our necks and a tracking RFIDs in our teeth (/sarcasm). The rules are totally flawed at the moment, but a passport is the most secured and checked bit of ID currently available so it's what we've got to live with.

Delvis said:
Is it not possible to get signatures off of people nowadays for photos? ie docters / law people etc, same way you have to before applying for a passport.

Would this not be sufficient as well as the birth certificate.
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A Knubje pointed out, this is generally acceptable as well, but it's got to be countersigned. I had to provide a countersinged copy of my passport to my accountant.
 
Delvis said:
Mine will be next then!

Luckily I have a passport, but I would have thought there is an alternative for people who do not have one...Not everyone goes on holiday abroad as stated, and not everyone has come to live here and work from abroad...So hey.
Click to expand...

I work for a italian oil company, it would say 75% of staff are foreign so it sort of makes sense here.

KaHn
 
Depends where you're working..

You need SC level clearance to work here and you need your passport when you first start, but given the nature of BAE it's to be expected.
 
solely asking for a passport is a bit of an odd one as many people don't have a current one. normally i'm just asked for proof of right to work in the uk. Things such as driving license (full) Birth certificate or even forms from the tax office showing your national insurance number work for most jobs i'd have thought.
 
Huddy, if you are a contractor, remind them that the contract is with your limited company. Yourco Ltd take great care to ensure that all employees are legally able to work and meet all checks. This applies both to you and any other substitute employee that Yourco may send under the contract.
 
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