National Insurance 'card'?

I had one a while ago, don't see why they'd need it even if it was still relevant today... all they need is the number
 
Got mine through the post just before I turned 16. Lost it when I was 16. Managed fine without it for years.
 
Yeah as posted above, the got rid of the cards and just send a piece of paper with the number on it now days. I think I was born 1 or 2 years out of getting one.
 
Mines cracked nearly all the way across, looked into getting a new one and they no longer do it.

Person doing the interview must not know.
 
Got mine when I was....16? 18? Can't remember. I actually had it in my wallet all this time and took it out the other day and put it in a box. Don't see why I need it, never have for getting a job

- GP
 
Very bad idea to phase out the cards. Firstly, it was the only way for employers (especially in temporary/seasonal/agency jobs) to verify right there, on the spot, if applicant had work permit (you cannot receive NI if you weren't born in UK, became resident or have either automatic right to work or work permit). It's important because there are hefty fines for employing illegals (includes people on a dole pretending to be "John Smith"). Fines are up to £20k for each worker found on your premises.

Secondly, because it was the closest Britain ever got to almost foolproof verification for NHS. You come to reception, you show your NI card and either a council tax bill to your name or your photo ID (to match the card). NI registration means you are resident and registered tax payer, therefore have a right to free treatment....
 
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NI card must be easier to fake than any other ID (which are also easy pre RFID)

Mine also broke into pieces length ways, so did a friends. Perhaps a common flaw? I haven't thought about it for years.

I'm surprised to be the first to say this on an IT companies forums but I keep all these kind of personal details in secure password/data software.
 
Think I've had one, not seen it in a long time and never had any need for it either. Never memorised it as I can't ever remember being asked for it.
 
Begbie said:
Think I've had one, not seen it in a long time and never had any need for it either. Never memorised it as I can't ever remember being asked for it.
Click to expand...

I guess your p45 has it too (can't remember) so going from job to job its not needed, and you'll probably know it if you're self employed.
 
I remember being at school and it was drummed into us we HAD to remember out NI number.
To this day I can real it off without thinking about it.

Also remember getting hit over the head with the blackboard rubber....
 
I have mine memorised, too. Be warned though - If you don't get it right for PAYE you'll come a cropper when you hit pensioner age and they demand it all be paid.
 
Used my NI card to write my number down the first time I needed it, now I just find the last piece of paperwork that had it on. With electronic payslips it's just a matter of a quick search on gmail so no real need for the card anymore.
 
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