PP/national security numbers and passport numbers wanted?

Spunk84

What's the story with companies looking PP/National security numbers and passport numbers on job applications? I had applied for 3 jobs north and south, the three of them are interested but want the above on their forms? I'm abit hesitant on giving them, is this the norm now? Why would they want them as surely your P45 would be enough

Delancey

Having Passposrt numbers and PPS numbers would tend to suggest the applicant is legal and able to work without restriction.
BUT be careful - are these companies legitimate , are they well-known for example ?
Be aware that scams exist where the object is to tap a persons details and attempt to create a false identity for fraud purposes.

Spunk84

Delancey wrote: »

Having Passposrt numbers and PPS numbers would tend to suggest the applicant is legal and able to work without restriction.
BUT be careful - are these companies legitimate , are they well-known for example ?
Be aware that scams exist where the object is to tap a persons details and attempt to create a false identity for fraud purposes.

I was thinking that as well, if the had a passport number and pp number they would find it very easy to access all your data. Yea well known companies but just weird why this info is needed

jeckle

I think it might also be so as they can later prove that they accepted applications/interviewed EU citizens for a position. This will help them in proving to Dept of Justice that they couldn't find a suitable EU applicant, & in turn help strengthen their case when applying for a work permit for a non EU citizen.

duke916

Its been over 5 years since i applied for a job, but having done so just recently, i did find some companies ask for these numbers which I also found odd. Ive never come across these requirements on a simple application before. I did apply for the job, however on answering this particular question regarding my passport number I simply wrote 'this information will be available at interview stage' just to cover myself from possible fraud. Until you meet with the employer face to face and get a better understanding of the company i don't see why personal id numbers are relevant to the position until you have the job in the bag.

Sure they may as well be cheeky enough to write 'if you are successful in your application, please provide us with your bank details for weekly salary!' ...and you'd be surprised the amount of applicants that would do it!

jeckle

I don't know why a passport number should be requested on an application form. Possibly, I suppose for identity purposes people may be required to furnish a passport for a photocopy of it to be kept on record, but this should only happen at a much later stage than an initial application form.

There is certainly no law stating that Irish citizens even have to have a passport to begin with.

The only person or department in anyones place of employment that should have access to your PPS number is payroll.

All below from http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Topics/PPSN/Pages/cop.aspx#7.1

It is an offence for any person or body to request or hold a record of a PPS No. unless they are permitted by law to do so. See Section 5.1 below. It is therefore the duty of all bodies to ensure that they are specified in law as being so entitled, before they request or hold a record of any person's PPS No.


2.1.1 Who can use the PPS Number?

The PPS No. replaced the Revenue and Social Insurance Number (RSI No.) that was only used in relation to transactions with Revenue and the Department of Social Protection. The PPS Number can be used by:

Any organisation listed in legislation, e.g. a Government Department or Health Service Executive.
Any person or body authorised by a public body to do so.
Any person who has a transaction with a public body

2.1.2 Who can not use the PPS Number?

Private companies or bodies, other than in transactions with public bodies.
Any person or body not authorised under legislation to do so.

Where it is unclear as to whether a particular body or person is entitled to use the PPS No, queries may be addressed to:

Client Identity Services,
Department of Social Protection,
Shannon Lodge,
Dublin Road,
Carrick-on-Shannon,
Co. Leitrim.
Ph: Lo Call 1890 927999

Email: cis@welfare.ie

Q7. Who can ask me for my PPS No.?
A7. You can only be asked for your PPS No. by one of the agencies listed in Appendix A or by an authorised agent of one of these bodies. Your employer will also use your PPS No. for the purposes of advising Revenue and DSP of your tax deductions and PRSI contributions.

Q8. What should I do if someone asks me for my PPS No?
A8. You should provide them with your number once you are satisfied that they are entitled to ask for it. In this regard you may find it helpful to refer to the list of agencies in Appendix A . In any case of doubt, you should contact Client Identity Services in the Department of Social Protection for clarification.

Q9. What do I do if someone who is not entitled to use the PPS No. asks me for it?
A9. If you believe that a person asking for your PPS No. is not entitled to do so, do not give them your number until you have contacted Client Identity Services , Department of Social Protection, Shannon Lodge, Dublin Road, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, Tel: 01 704 3281 for advice. You can also email us at cis@welfare.ie

Q10. When should I not use my PPS No.?
A10. You should not use your PPS No. or Social Services Card in ordinary commercial transactions. For example, the number or the Social Services Card should not be requested by or given to a retailer as proof of identity or for any other reason when making a purchase, availing of a hiring service etc.

Q11. Can the Gardaí ask me for my PPS No.?
A11. Social Welfare legislation provides that members of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces are only entitled to use the PPS No. in respect of their own members. However, under the Immigration Act 2003 the PPS No. can be used by An Garda Síochána in respect of non-EU nationals.

keepkeyyellow

Only Irish Passport Offices have access to the details held in your passport number. Passports are meant to be used for Travel between foreign countries only, it is not intended to be used as Identification for other means, such as Pubs insisting on passports only to get.

I can't remember which one but either Penneys, Boots or Next ask for your PPS number on application and you've no reason to give it to them unless they employ you.

While things like this irk me (I made a complaint to the Data protection commissioner over Vodafone wanting my PP number) it's up to you to give it to them or not.

If anyone really cared they could make a complaint to the Data protection commissioner on the grounds of Excessive Information asked.

JustAThought

Standard procedure in some big multinationals. Passport verifies you are who you say you are, PPS can be used to verified you are entitled to work in this country. Too many scammers out there; can't be wasting time on non valid apps. Keeps the fraudsters at bay & warns others off. Passport & DL usually only valid ID that are trustworthy; and DL not so much.

JustAThought

Standard procedure in some big multinationals. Passport verifies you are who you say you are, PPS can be used to verified you are entitled to work in this country. Too many scammers out there; can't be wasting time on non valid apps. Keeps the fraudsters at bay & warns others off. Passport & DL usually only valid ID that are trustworthy; and DL not so much.