Passport before interview

We request that suitable forms of proof of eligibility to work in the UK is provided on the new employees first day (at induction). If this is not provided, they are sent home, simple as! As we export via air-freight, we also have to satisfy the department for transport regarding proof of identity (EC regulation 2320/2002). This also goes for temporary employees.

We ask to see copies of passports (or full birth certificates and something with NI number on if no passport) at second interview stage. We have a clear Nationality and Immigration Policy which is sent to candidates, explaining we request to see at second interview to enable prompt commencement of the role if they're succesful. Any individual not awarded the position, we destroy the copies made. If they can't provide it's not the end of the world - just ask for evidence of entitlement to work in UK on awarding the job!
This is useful: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/employersandsponsors/preventingillegalworking/currentguidanceandcodes/comprehensiveguidancefeb08.pdf?view=Binary

Claire, you may find the following link useful http://www.thanet.gov.uk/jobs__careers/proof_of_eligibility_to_work.aspx

..... And what if any of the applicants does not have a current Passport - or indeed has never held one?
Difficult though it is for managers in 'Corporate World' to believe, but there really ARE people with careers who have no need of international travel, or want to vacation abroad.
Another classic example of corporate default bias from some box-ticking-paper-shuffling-under-worked-but-over-paid-Non-Entity, proffered to you Claire as a "Policy".
Were I to be one of those applicants and discovered this, I wouldn't hesitate in the current employment climate to scream Discrimination & head straight for the nearest lawyer. Count on it; - along with your time & employer’s expense.

I work in education and it is part of our safe recruitment practice to ask to see proof that an individual has the right to work in the UK at the interview stage. We also ask them to bring their passport where possible (not everybody will have a passport) or some other form of photographic ID. They are advised that if they can't provide this information then we may not proceed with their interview. Obviously it may be different in other industries.

My understanding is that there is a requirement for you to obtain a copy of passport or full birth certificate as proof of an employee's eligibility to work in the UK. Asking to see a passport prior to interview would possibly expose you to the possibilty of a discrimination claim. Hope that helps, Bob

Just a quick question.
We are currently interviewing for a role and I have been told that I would need to see candidtes passports before interview. I was always under the impression that I was fine to ask for passport if they have been offered a role.
Which is true please?