Recruitment agencies cannot charge you a fee for finding or trying to find you work. They can charge you for certain services, for example CV writing, training or transport.

When applying for a job most companies/recruitment agencies will request two references prior to or after an interview. These could be the difference between being offered a job or not so choose carefully.

An employer does not have to give a reference by law unless it’s: in writing that the employer will provide one – for example, in an employment contract

Depending on the position you are applying for, a recruitment agency can request you complete the application form for a Basic, Standard or Enhanced DBS check, potentially including the barring list.

Even the slightest indication you may be a threat could immediately dissuade any employers from hiring you. DBS check offences like these could include embezzlement, tax evasion or serious violent or sexual crimes, or any offence which would put you on the Children’s or Adults’ Barred List.

You should tell your agency if you want to end the assignment. If you want to leave the agency, check the contract or written agreement. Usually you need to tell them in writing

A shortened notice also applies to an employee; they can choose to leave during this period if the working relationship or role is not suitable. Both parties must give at least the notice in their contract, set out by the employer, or the statutory minimum—whichever is longer.

Theoretically, a new employer could always calculate your previous salary from the P45 you give to them. Some simple maths would reveal what your annual income was.

It’s important that right-to-work checks are carried out for every work-seeker to comply with equality and immigration law, and to ensure candidates are eligible to work before an offer of employment is made. A passport is a convenient way to prove your work status for UK and Irish citizens

This is so that you can limit your chances of becoming a victim of identity theft. An employer does not require your National Insurance number in an initial job application screening phase. Later, the employer may legitimately request this information so that they can verify you have the right to work in the UK

Can my employer ask for a copy of my passport in the UK?

And for your information – you can not give a copy of the passport- you must hand the original document over for them to copy. This is part of the right to work checks for employers. They have to confirm sight of the original document

In most countries, the employer must check that you have the right to work. This has two obvious parts: They have to check that you are who you say you are, and that you have the right to work. Most people are lucky and their identity gives them the right to work.

What Is a Temporary Worker? A temporary worker is someone hired for a set period or to help with a large project when the business is shorthanded. Companies can find these types of employees through the normal recruitment process or by hiring them through a temp agency.

The limit on renewing a fixed-term contract

Any employee on fixed-term contracts for 4 or more years will automatically become a permanent employee, unless the employer can show there is a good business reason not to do so.

As a temporary worker, you should always get paid for all hours worked, as well as any holiday that you have accrued and haven’t taken.

After two years’ service, you have the right not to be unfairly dismissed. You’re also entitled to a written statement of reasons for the dismissal/not renewing the contract after one year’s service.

Can a contract employee become permanent? Absolutely. Businesses hiring temporary staff will often consider these candidates for a permanent role depending on the needs of the company.

All employees should have a National Insurance Number (NINO) & give it to their employer although it is not a legal requirement to obtain work without one. The NINO ensures the National Insurance Contributions and Tax are recorded against the correct named employee when submitted to HMRC

It is often small, cash run businesses that are used for money laundering. Because of this, accountants are at the front line of prevention and are mandated to ensure that we know who we are working with.

It depends. Sometimes, you need to send a picture of your ID to verify your identity. A common example might be when you’re applying for an online loan. In such cases, as long as you’re dealing with a reputable organization and sending the information via a secure process, it’s usually safe

Overall, asking for proof of eligibility to work documentation is a crucial step in the hiring process to ensure compliance with the law, prevent illegal employment, and maintain fairness and transparency in the recruitment process.

Protecting your identity when looking for work

Potential employers will need to confirm your identity and right to work status, as well as your bank details in order to pay you. When applying direct to companies, it is unlikely you will need to share bank details until after you receive your job offer.

Overall, asking for proof of eligibility to work documentation is a crucial step in the hiring process to ensure compliance with the law, prevent illegal employment, and maintain fairness and transparency in the recruitment process.

The following documents show the applicant’s right to work in the UK.

Passport. …

Permanent resident card. …

    National identity card. …

    Registration certificate. …

    Biometric immigration document. …

    Immigration status document. …

    Birth or adoption certificate. …

    Certificate of registration or naturalisation

Your employer might ask you for your National Insurance number when you’re proving your right to work. You can get a National Insurance number if you have the right to work in the UK and one of the following applies: you’re looking for work. you have a job offer to start work

If you do not have a passport or passport card, you can prove your right to work with one of the following: a UK birth or adoption certificate. an Irish birth or adoption certificate. a certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British citizen

Employers must use this type of right to work check for workers who: Hold a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Biometric Residence Card (BRC); Hold an e-visa; Hold a Frontier Worker Permit

How long does right to work check take? The duration of a right to work check can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the individual and the method used to conduct the check. If the employee has the required documents readily available, the check can be completed quickly, sometimes within a few minutes.

The UK is moving towards a digital immigration system and phasing out physical visa documents. BRPs are only being issued until 31 December 2024, even if your course and immigration permission continue after this date.

You’ll need one of the following types of photo ID: UK photocard driving licence. UK passport. non-UK passport with a biometric chip

Users can prove their identity using the GOV.UK ID Check app. We’ll check that: their ID documents are real. they’re a real person (also known as a ‘liveness’ check)

New employees/casuals who are EU/EEA citizens need to show that they have Pre-Settled or Settled status or a UK visa (instead of just their passport) to evidence they have the RTW in the UK before starting work. Showing just a passport will then only be acceptable for British and Irish nationals.

Before supplying a temporary worker, agencies are obligated to confirm that a worker has all the legal permissions required for them to work in the role offered by the agency’s client.