Proof of Employability

Nem_e

Was hoping somebody might have a few suggestions on documentation (apart from passport) that would prove eligibility of employment within Ireland. And does a PPS number mean you’re eligible for work within Ireland?

My situation is that I was born in Ireland, have always lived in Ireland and I’m pretty sure my parents, grand parents and great Grand parents where all born and bred in Ireland.

My current employer of 6 years (American multinational) has asked me this week to provide my passport which they want to photocopy and keep on the record system as proof of my eligibility to work within Ireland.

I'm not to happy about giving them a copy of my passport for their records, (In this modern age I've become paranoid about disseminating personal information)

I was thinking of providing a photocopy of my passport with most details covered by a marker just leaving my name and citizenship visible.

I've asked what other documents would be acceptable but haven't received any response on that front.

So what do you all think? Birth cert, Passport, PPS number anything else to prove eligibility for employment in Ireland.
Plus am I being too cautious about handing over copies of personal documents?

AARRRGH

I would take the risk and give them a copy of your passport. I've had to do this for two employers and I haven't had any problems.

In general, fraud carried out against your credit card or bank account will be covered by some sort of insurance.

John Mason

give them your passport and stop being silly.

most hotels insist on taking a photocopy of your passport before you can check in.

Jaysis, even the local video shop took a copy of my passport before i could join.

Nody

Yes, the people who pay your salary (and know your bank account etc.) are clearly people with whom you can not divulge ANY personal information! It si not like the company is under obligation to ensure that all their employees are allowed to work here to risk hefty fines or something, oh wait...

IsThatSo?

Bit strange that they would ask after 6 years though I mean, why now?

Eoin

IsThatSo? wrote: »

Bit strange that they would ask after 6 years though I mean, why now?

You never know what type of documentation American companies have to be able to provide. I doubt that the Sarbanes-Oxley act would specifically ask for this level of documentation, but it could be a knock-on effect.

I used to work for a company that had share holders in the States, and therefore we had to document everything. I'd say we easily produced 33% less features because of all the documentation we had to do instead.

Buffman

(Super) Trooper wrote: »

So what do you all think? Birth cert, Passport, PPS number anything else to prove eligibility for employment in Ireland.
Plus am I being too cautious about handing over copies of personal documents?

Anything which proves that your an Irish citizen would do. Even your tax credits cert from revenue would do I'd say.

Your right to be cautious with your documents, but if you can't trust your employer of 6 years, who can you trust?

I'm just wondering why it's taken them 6 years to ask you for it?

qwertz

I believe (and correct me if I am wrong) that there is new legislation that forces companies to do that very thing. My wife (Irish) works for one of the big Yankee-multinational companies for over ten years and they have to do the same.

Nem_e

Thanks for the replies everybody,

Yes it does seem to be a bit silly not trusting my employer with my passport details, but they might not be my employer for ever, it's a very large company with my details being stored in any number of data centers around the globe. (That is the 250,000 people that work here and can me trust them all, well the ones that have access to my details.)

Nody good point about them having my bank account details and I should trust them, but you forget with my passport details an unscrupulous employee would have enough details to withdraw money from my account, where currently they can only lodge money (which I wouldn't mind ).

The 6 year thing is only my case I think anybody who joined the company after 1997 has to provide the details. I’m not sure of the reason, plus I don't think my manager knows either so that probably adds to my caution.

Qwertz is it only American multinational's that have to do this or does this apply to all employers in the country?

murphym7

All Employers are required to have evidence of who you are in your personel file. The HR rep probably just forgot to get yours when you joined the company and the error was found during an audit of the HR records, it happens all the time. Many companies forget to get copies of qualifications and ask for them long after you join.

I would hate to live in the world you think we live in. Your level of paranoia is fierce. Just hand over the document and let them take a photocopy. Whatever you do don't make a fuss, because it will make you look like a crazy person.

qwertz

Couldn't agree more. Even recruitment agencies (not sure if all or just some of them) do that now before investing too much time in their candidates. The fines are quite heavy if they are found out having employed illegal aliens.

murphym7 wrote: »

All Employers are required to have evidence of who you are in your personel file. The HR rep probably just forgot to get yours when you joined the company and the error was found during an audit of the HR records, it happens all the time. Many companies forget to get copies of qualifications and ask for them long after you join.

I would hate to live in the world you think we live in. Your level of paranoia is fierce. Just hand over the document and let them take a photocopy. Whatever you do don't make a fuss, because it will make you look like a crazy person.

eth0_

AFAIK they have to destroy the photocopy of your passport after the verify who you are.

Why are you so paranoid? They already have your bank details ooooooooooooh!