Possible problems
National Insurance (NI) numbers
Your NI number is issued to you by Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Your NI number is unique to you and is used to record how much National Insurance you have paid and your employer has paid on your behalf (known as National Insurance contributions or NICs). Your employer will need to know your NI number so that they can record the NI contributions they take from your wages. Paying NICs builds up your entitlement to some benefits and the state pension.
You don't need an NI number before you start work but you should apply for one as soon as you do start. However, lots of employers are confused about this, and say that they can't employ you unless you have an NI number. They are wrong. It is perfectly legal to employ someone without an NI number. But it is your responsibility to get one, and it is in your interests to do it as soon as possible so that the money your employer takes from your wages as NICs is credited to you.
To apply, contact your local Jobcentre Plus. You will be asked to go to an interview and to take documents with you to prove your identity. Your application can take six to eight weeks to process, so get an appointment as soon as you can!
For more information see 'Applying for a National Insurance number' from Directgov - see the link at the right of the page.
Proving your identity
The following documents will help to prove your identity and your address. Take as many different types of proof as you can.
- passport
- national identity card
- birth certificate
- marriage certificate
- medical card
- payslips
- a letter from your employer
- your contract of employment
- details of any employment agencies you are registered with
- invoices or other official letters
Bank accounts
Most employers will want to pay your wages by cheque, or straight into a bank account. You can choose from lots of different types of account. But some people who have just arrived in the UK might have difficulty getting a bank account because they don't yet have enough proof of their identity. If this happens to you, you could try a 'basic bank account'. These accounts only have some of the features of a normal current account, although you do get a cash card and can pay bills by direct debit. You need fewer forms of identity to get one of these accounts because the risk to the bank is lower. Banks will often ask to see your passport, your driving licence or a bill.
If you don't have any of these, the bank should be willing to accept other official documents, for example some of the ones listed above, or a letter confirming who you are from a responsible person who knows you, like your employer, a doctor or teacher.
For more information see the link on the right to 'Just the facts about basic Bank Accounts'.
