Telecommunications industry employee database

Mojisola

Has anyone ever heard of this?

The Orange website asks for people interested in working for them to give their NI number so that it can be checked against the "telecommunications industry employee database".

The Jobcentre site says that you should never give your NI number until you have a job offer.

maninthestreet

Orange the mobile phone company?

Mojisola

maninthestreet wrote: »

Orange the mobile phone company?

Yes. Do you know anything about this database?

Would you give them your NI number?

Should they be keeping a database of people's NI numbers?

Tremour-88

Sounds fishy, but since they're linked with T-mobile they're probably asking for it to check if you've ever worked for either of them.

xxJudexx

This might be a dumb question but why shouldn't you give out your NI number?

reehsetin

I did whilst i worked for them

They introduced it a little while ago, I believe it's across most of the networks, my understanding is that they use the NI number to verify whether you have worked for another telco and whether there were any security concerns in those positions

Mojisola

Because of advice -

https://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Taxes/BeginnersGuideToTax/NationalInsurance/IntroductiontoNationalInsurance/DG_190048
Who uses your National Insurance number?
You will have to give your National Insurance number to:
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
your employer
Department for Work and Pensions (which includes Jobcentre Plus and Pension, Disability and Carers Service), if you claim state benefits
your local council, if you claim Housing Benefit
the Student Loans Company, if you apply for a student loan

You also have to give your National Insurance number if you open an Individual Savings Account (ISA).

It's very important you keep your number safe and don't give it to anyone who does not need it. This will help prevent identity fraud

reehsetin

They're not the only ones who require an NI no, I just had to give mine for a royal mail application

westv

Mojisola wrote: »

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
your employer
Department for Work and Pensions (which includes Jobcentre Plus and Pension, Disability and Carers Service), if you claim state benefits
your local council, if you claim Housing Benefit
the Student Loans Company, if you apply for a student loan

So "potential employer" isn't in the list then?