applying for ni number

tali

relative from abroad has permanent stay un uk , has been here for over 2 years , so i phoned to apply for NI number so they can start work , trouble is the NI office (part of job centre) completely bamboozled me.
was told ni number is not needed as some employers dont request it
was told my friend would have an interview and should bring details of jobs they applied for - but they didn;t apply for jobs........because they had no ......ni number
was asked whether the ni number application was for claiming benefits or getting a job
sorry for sounding boneheaded but i just dont get it
please explain

claysam

Hi my friend recently went through this, she had to find a job before she could have a NI number was told without a job no NI number. Once she got a job a NI number was then sent through.

Elsiesgirl

Hi Claysam is right. Once your relative has a job they should sort it out.

Jarvisma

You can go ahead and apply for a job without an NI number.

You will need to show that you are entitled to work in this country, as everybody does nowadays, by providing either proof of membership of certain EU countries able to work here without restriction (passport) or if coming from outside these countries a copy of a valid work visa along with proof of your identity.

You should simply let the employer know at the time of application that you are in the process of applying for an NI number.

Then when you go for your interview with the DWP you should take details of the jobs you have applied for or started in with you.

BrunoM

You can work on a temporary NI number I believe - this means you don't get the 'credit' built up, but it satisfies employer needs. However, you can get an NI number without actually having worked, just with proof that you are trying to get work, as per the comments above.

Quick edit - good link for foreign national wanting to get an NI number http://www.ukresident.com/forums/index.php these forums full of people with similar issues

LittleVoice

A side matter here (well it is a chat forum):

Employers sometimes ask for NI numbers on application forms. I have always felt they should not do this (and especially now with ID theft concerns in the minds of many people) as it is required when they come to pay the successful candidate but is not relevant to actual recruitment. Do others agree?

Elsiesgirl

Yes Littlevoice I agree. Neither do I agree with employers asking for photographs also with the application form

CFC

LittleVoice wrote: »

A side matter here (well it is a chat forum):

Employers sometimes ask for NI numbers on application forms. I have always felt they should not do this (and especially now with ID theft concerns in the minds of many people) as it is required when they come to pay the successful candidate but is not relevant to actual recruitment. Do others agree?

Totally agree. And also at interview some organisations are asking for passport details and photocopy of passport - I have concerns re this, it's one thing if you offer someone a job, but to take these details if you don't.....!