Employer wants to keep my passport for a day

Spikelad

As part of security vetting at work we have been asked to provide evidence of identity.I am happy to comply with this but not happy with the procedure used.

I have been asked to hand in various documents including my passport at the start of my shift,these documents will be retained by our H.R department during the day and we can collect them at the end of our working day.

I am not comfortable with handing over my passport for this length of time,i have no problem allowing my passport to be copied in my presence but i have been told that this is not posssible.

Can i be forced to give my passport up like this by my employer.

MissDVL

I believe this is perfectly acceptable. During the recruitment process for my job I sat a 7 hour assessment centre in which they held onto all my documents, and they were returned at the end. I'm not sure what the issue is with it? Are you worried they will use it for fraudulent purposes? If so then perhaps you shouldn't work for an employer you don't trust...

princessdon

Don't see the problem personally - unless flying for that evening

Evilm

Out of interest, what exactly do you think they can do with it in that time that worries you so?

hcb42

I think it is the principle of the thing, no one should take passport out of your site really..

Tiddlywinks

Is it a Government agency or a private company?

getzls

I had to send my passport of to the S.I.A. when applying for my security licence. Was bit concerned in case it got lost, was away for about 10 days. Sometimes you just have to do these things. Getting a job at the end of it makes it worthwhile.

ktothema

I really wouldn't be comfortable with it either. I'm not with anyone holding something like that for a long time. In best practice for fraud etc you're told not to let anyone go off with your stuff like that.

Have you suggested bringing in a proper certified copy instead? It may cost you a bit to get the copy certified but then at least they wouldn't be retaining your passport for a day.

phill99

Talk about paranoia.

All companies have to confirm that you are legally allowed to work in the UK. To do this they need to see your passport. They are just undertaking their legal duties. They are not going to be using it to commit fraud. If you really believe that then you need a trip to the doctor to sort out your paranoia and anxiety. Grow up.

firestronaut

phill99 wrote: »

Talk about paranoia.

All companies have to confirm that you are legally allowed to work in the UK. To do this they need to see your passport. They are just undertaking their legal duties. They are not going to be using it to commit fraud. If you really believe that then you need a trip to the doctor to sort out your paranoia and anxiety. Grow up.

Though I agree with you, I don't agree with the way you choose to speak to people.

OP - get the names of the people who will be handling your passport, ask them what they'll be doing with it, and where they'll be keeping it when they're not handling it.
I understand you're not comfortable with it, but you're dealing with your employers, not a dodgy gang of criminals.

ktothema

firestronaut wrote: »

I understand you're not comfortable with it, but you're dealing with your employers, not a dodgy gang of criminals.

I dunno, with some of the people I've worked for its hard to tell the difference :rotfl: