Employer wants to keep my passport for a day

maninthestreet

Why can't they just take a scan/photocopy of the photo page (which is the important part) - this would take just a few seconds.

SueC_2

maninthestreet wrote: »

Why can't they just take a scan/photocopy of the photo page (which is the important part) - this would take just a few seconds.

That's probably exactly what they will do, but it will be less disruptive to everyone's working day if they collect all the identity documents in at the beginning of the shift (don't forget, there could be several new starters involved here), scan them during the course of the working day, then hand them back at the end of the shift.

The alternative would be a steady stream of new starters leaving their place of work, wandering off to the HR department, standing in front of someone's desk, expecting them to drop what they're doing so they can scan the documents there and then, and then finding their way back to their place of work (which in some environments could be quite challenging in itself). During which time they've missed part of their induction / training etc.

In any case, depending on the work environment, I'd say the passports etc are quite possibly more secure with HR than they would be with the individual. For example, if I had mine with me at work, it would be in my handbag under my desk, for anyone to help themselves to the minute I nipped to the loo or anywhere.

liney

Perhaps you could offer to come in during the proceeding shift and wait for your passport to be scanned and returned before starting work if you are unhappy.

You cannot expect a number of people to be away from their station during the working day, or constantly be leaving and returning to visit HR. Is it your first day and therefore training? If people went individually they would miss part of the training or force the trainer to constantly take breaks. You did say 'We' afterall.

westv

Various documents? I assume there's more to this then just a "right to work in the UK" check.

SueC_2

westv wrote: »

Various documents? I assume there's more to this then just a "right to work in the UK" check.

Proof of right to work in the UK can be one or two documents depending on your circumstances:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/employersandsponsors/preventingillegalworking/currentguidanceandcodes/summary-guidance.pdf?view=Binary

Then you can add in P45, bank details, signed contract of employment/job offer, application for security pass, other forms that may have been issued in advance of starting work.

I can't help but think that more is being made of this than is necessary.

westv

westv wrote: »

Various documents? I assume there's more to this then just a "right to work in the UK" check.

SueC wrote: »

Proof of right to work in the UK can be one or two documents depending on your circumstances:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/employersandsponsors/preventingillegalworking/currentguidanceandcodes/summary-guidance.pdf?view=Binary

Then you can add in P45, bank details, signed contract of employment/job offer, application for security pass, other forms that may have been issued in advance of starting work.

I can't help but think that more is being made of this than is necessary.

Ok. It's just the OP seemed to imply the "various" documents were linked to the "security check".

paddyrg

Take your own colour photocopy of your passport along with the real one - when it comes to handing in time, say "Here's a copy for you if you want to quickly check it against the original, I prefer not to leave it for the whole day, hope you understand"

jackieb

What if you didn't have a passport? Or is a passport a requisite of the job?

Flugelhorn

I have had to take documents along for CRB checks in the NHS and the staff take the documents (passports / GMC certs / utility bills etc etc ) and photocopy them while you wait, they also seem quite happy to let you tag along while copying them...

outtawork

I once went for an interview with an agency, took drivers licence, utility bills, bank statements, everything they asked for except I don't have a current passport.They also wanted to copy my debit card, at which point I said no & walked out.