NI number reveals employment history?

[Dorithy]

I am to start a new job and they need my NI number for my contract and salary.

The issue I have is that if I give them my NI number will they be able to see my entire employment history?

I'd rather keep that private.

 

[kevin.doran]

The NI number is needed so the employer can pay the relevant tax & NI to HMRC.

The employer can not 'see' the employment history.

You will however be expected to provide your P45 (if you've left your last employer since 6th April) so they'll see the name of the employer on there (if that's the one you're trying to hide).

On a personal note, secrets generally come out eventually...

 

[Karimbo]

your employment history is confidentail, hmrc will not divulge that.

you will as a matter of course need to disclose certain aspects of your employment history during the interview process, references and p45 as mentioned above.

 

[Dorithy]

Thanks for the information.

I have not been requested to provide my P45, I don't even know where it is? I had been out of work for around two years, do I still need to provide it?

 

[Walkol]

No. You/Your new employer will need to complete a P46 instead - which is the form used if no P45 is available.

 

[David Griffiths]

The form P46 is no longer in use. An employee without a P45 has to sign a starter declration indicating which of several options applies.

If you don't give your NI number, and there is no reason not to, you must give your full name, address and date of birth. As soon as the employer files his payroll with HMRC (on the first payday) HMRC will notify the employer of the NI number anyway

 

[Walkol]

The form P46 is no longer in use. An employee without a P45 has to sign a starter declration indicating which of several options applies.

Every day is a schoolday!

 

[Dorithy]

I'm being asked for my NI and passport number, which is fine then, I can just give the numbers, don't have to give a photo copy.

I know the the boss, I don't think he'll need my P45, there's no interview required, is there any reason for that?

 

[Newchodge]

They need your passport number so they can demonstrate that they have ascertained that you are entitled to work in this country. They should also ask to see the passport!

They need your NI number in order to ensure that you are properly credited with NI contributions. Your NI number cannot reveal details of your employment history.

If you don't have a P45 you may start off paying more tax than necessary as you cannot demonstrate how much you have earned in the current tax yeatr, and therefore how much tax should be deducted. You will probably end up on what is called week1/month 1 basis.

 

[NRLtd]

If you don't have a P45 you may start off paying more tax than necessary...

Or less than necessary, which can be just as problematic!

 

[Dorithy]

I was just concerned about my NI info as I had stopped paying, being out of work, now I am working again there may be an issues such as paying too much or too little and that could require more info from me I just don't want to hand over.

 

[Newchodge]

That is not how NI works. It is income tax (PAYE) that is affected in that way. You won't have to reveal any details through tax and NI about your employment history, but most employers would want to know your employment history, and lying about it is not a good idea - it is grounds for summary dismissal if discovered.

 

[Walkol]

Reading between the lines here - there is something you don't want them to know.

Not handing over such trivial information as your NI number - which they need to process your payroll correctly - is only going to raise eyebrows.

 

[Dorithy]

It's not as sinister as you think. I just like my private life as it should be, private.

Anyway, thanks for everybody for the kind help and good luck in life!