Proofing employment status from 15 yrs ago!

mose19

Long story short - I’m currently battling with Santander over PPI. When we took out a mortgage my partner was self employed, but they ticked the employed box on the application.
We’re now trying to claim the ppi back via financial ombudsman, but we’ve got to proof he was self employed at the time, 15 yrs ago!!
Where the heck do I find proof and why are the FO taking their side?

HappyHarry

The FOS are not taking sides. They are trying to establish if a mis-sale took place or not.

So far, it appears that your partner was employed at the time the policy was sold. At least, that's what the documentary evidence suggests from the fact your partner ticked "employed" on the application form.

You now appear to be claiming your partner was actually self-employed, which is contrary to the only evidence so far produced.

It doesn't sound unreasonable to ask your partner to prove that, especially if this is the reason for the complaint.

mose19

Thanks for your reply, but no one keeps any paperwork from 15 yrs ago. Most companies bin it after 6 yrs due to retention.
Not sure how we can prove the self employment ��

HappyHarry

Tax returns would be ideal.

Is the mortgage you took out at the same time still running? The mortgage company may still have records of your partners employment status.

mose19

Would the tax office still have stuff on file since 2005? Will give them a try.
No, mortgage finished 5 yrs ago. I can’t remember if we had to show wage slips to bank when we took mortgage out

[Deleted User]

mose19 wrote: »

When we took out a mortgage my partner was self employed, but they ticked the employed box on the application.

So basically your partner lied on his mortgage application and now you want a refund of insurance which you allege was mis-sold?

How can it have been mis-sold if your partner provided inaccurate information in the first place?

I very much doubt you'll get far with this even if you can provide proof of his employment status at the time.

The Ombudsman will simply agree with the Bank that the PPI was sold in good faith based on the information provided.

Do note that most Mortgage PPI complaints fail in any case....

Bermonia

Agree with Moneyineptitude - as a mortgage PPI was likely sold on an ‘advised’ basis, this means that the firm would’ve recommended that your partner take out PPI based on the information they supplied (such as being employed), even if you can evidence parter WAS self-employed at this time FOS will not likely hold this against seller as they can only be expected to base recommendations on information they are given.

Dr_Crypto

National Insurance Office/HMRC hols employment histories going back decades.