Asylum and immigration act

nancy_2

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum.I couldnt work out how to post a new thread as this is my first time doing this.

I have worked for my employee for 7 years now.I have been asked to prove my identity by showing them my birth certificate,passport or driving licence by the end of May.They are getting really stroppy about this.I dont see why I should have to provide them with these documents .I wasn't asked for them when they offered me the job( I am a british citizen and I do have a british passport).I have been told that if I do not provide these documents I will be working illegally and I may be suspended ! Can they do this?

I feel like not providing these documents just to make a point.No one else that I know has been requested to so this by their employers :mad:

wanderlust_wannabe

This sounds absolutely unbelievable! I haven't heard of anyone at all having to this.
To say that you are working illegally and might be suspended because of it sounds like bullying to me. Just mention the word harrassment, bullying leading to stress at work to them and see how they react! I think they are being pedantic in the extreme.

Sounds like some dingleberry in the HR department has got their knickers in twist over some minute technicallity and has made such a fuss over it they are now not prepared to back down. I'd tell them to go right ahead and suspend me if they have to and see them at the employment tribunal (are you a member of a union - if so I consult them for advice).

I have something similar but not quite as bad regarding driving licences.
Work said if I didn't bring my licence in to prove I could legally drive then I would face disciplinery action. I told them to 'I won't bring it in - I don't drive for the company at all so why should I'.
They then said if you don't bring your licence in you won't be able to drive for the company!! I KNOW-I DON'T ANYWAY!! :mad: I'll tell ya - priceless!! :rotfl:
Disciplinery action - nil. Just some !!!!!! in HR trying to justify their job.

antenna

They probably have'nt filled their government quota of "ethnic minority" jobs at your workplace............if they find out you are british you could lose your job.............dont believe me..........try and join the police force...........

jaimeo

Why dont you just take a deep breath and give them your passport?

Ditto for the driving licence example.


Sure its stupid, but its even sillier to get all stressed over it. If you feel offended by the request, and it is only you having to comply, perhaps a quiet word with your boss could sort it out?

J

jockettuk

its happening more than you think.. you have to provide proof your british at the hospitals now.. its more to protct you the employee as there are a lot of people working illegally and companys are gettting fined heavily if they employ them ..

Debt_Free_Chick

Unfortunately, the Government has handed the problem of proving that everyone who works is doing so legally, to employers. Companies now have a statutory obligation to ensure that their employees have the right to work here i.e. British National or valid work permit.

Your employer really has no choice. If anyone is found to be working for them illegally, they face severe penalties.

But, surely, law-abiding people have no problem with this kind of thing? Why would you not simply provide the documents they have asked for?

Surely you don't want those employed illegally to "get away with it"?

IvanOpinion

Why are you making an issue over this ... is it simply because you think you can? For goodness sake just show them the required documents and be over and done with it.

Would you stick to these principles if you were at a check-in desk trying to get on a flight to go on a holiday? I would bet a large sum of money that you would very quickly hand over any requested documentation .. otherwise you would not be flying.

In answer to your bit 'I feel like not providing these documents just to make a point.No one else that I know has been requested to do this by their employers'. I have had to supply both documents on several occasions both to HR and as part of my job (along with other much more confidential information). Now you know somebody who has had to do it therefore you can stop all this nonsense about 'making a point' ... jeez, what is the big deal?

Ivan

leftieM

I find it rather disturbing personally. It sounds like Nancy's HR department have been clumsy and rude in their dealings with her. It may be no big deal to produce the necessary documents but couldn't they have been a bit more sensitive in their dealings with her?
Let's be honest - we live in a society where it's becoming more socially and politically acceptable to be racist. It's no wonder that people feel threatened and angry when asked to prove their nationality (because I bet most of the time the people asked for this information aren't white!!)
Ultimately though I'd produce the documents Nancy. It's not a fight you can win in this way. You could always put in writing how offended you felt by your treatment and hopefully your employers will be more considerate to the next person they request documents from.

WHA

leftieM wrote:

It's no wonder that people feel threatened and angry when asked to prove their nationality (because I bet most of the time the people asked for this information aren't white!!)

That is the exact point of the government guidance on this issue. Employer's aren't allowed to discriminate - they can't ask only those who "don't look" to be british - they have to apply the same procedures to everyone.

The government guidance is very clear - if they are found to be employing someone who isn't eligible to work, they are in deep trouble. At the same time, they aren't allowed to discriminate as to who they ask to provide this proof.

Therefore, due to government rules, the effect is that all employees may be asked to prove they are eligible to work in the UK.

And yes, this is now becomming more and more common - the new rules came into force last year.

leftieM wrote:

You could always put in writing how offended you felt by your treatment

Or you could bear this in mind when you vote tomorrow as it is just one of the many ridiculous new pieces of red tape introduced by the current government. If they hadn't lost control of the country's borders, the problem of illegal workers would not have been quite so bad and the burden would not have needed to have been put on employers.

surfcat

..or perhaps when placing your vote you could consider how the dwindling workforce is going to pay for the burgeoning number of retirees. (I can't see a way out without using immigrant workers personally)

Ellemaid

Hi,

Why make this is a big issue?

As an employee, you would have signed a contract before starting employment, and such things will be a part of that contract.

As far as I can see, they are not discriminating you from other employees. All they want is proof of identity. With all the Unpleasantness in this country, it seems fair to me that the firm wants to be sure who is working for them, however long you have been working for them.

In my personal opinion, I don’t think anyone should create enemies in the working environment, because the working environment will always be uncomfortable which will effect your emotions. Just show what they want to see and try not to get on the bad side of the employers.

good luck