Tag: <span>uk</span>

[ad_1]

The UK government has recently announced that there will be a £2 million fund spent on initiatives aimed at reducing the gender pay gap between males and females. The funding will be spent on training, events, and monitoring programmes to help females move from low paid and low skilled work into jobs that are higher paid and higher skilled.

The measures will also hopefully help female employees in the event that they need to hold their company or employers to account over equal pay, or the lack thereof.

Currently the overall, average pay gap is 19.7%, and though this figure has been reduced from 25% in the last ten years, it still reflects unfair treatment of workers – in particular elderly and part-time employees. One reason for the gap is that there are more women, on average, in low paid jobs. The scheme will be looking to offer the necessary training to aim to help them move into the higher paid positions, careers and professions.

The initiative is to be carried out the by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills and will target women working in the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), retail and hospitality management, and agricultural sectors in particular.

The government will also:

• Publish guidance that will help women to compare their pay rate to their male counterparts.

• Invest £50,000 into further guidance to enable female employees to hold their companies to account in the event that they feel that they’ve been underpaid or paid incorrectly.

• Create and launch free pay analysis software to be made available to all companies and businesses so that they can calculate their gender pay gap.

• Implement extra measures to reinforce the existing Think, Act, Report initiative.

The minister for Women and Equalities, Nicky Morgan, stated that: “The measures we’re announcing today will help to tackle the pay gap head-on. We will support women to move out of low paid, low skilled work, into high paid, high skilled work, through providing better training and mentoring.” She added that: “We will also give both women and employers the tools to assess and address unfair pay.”

The measure will hopefully make it far easier for female employees, as well as the employers themselves, to identify pay gaps and issues with pay within their company, and also it will make it easier for them to bring the issue up with their bosses.

[ad_2]

Source by Matt D Lambourne

[ad_1]

For the 48% of us that voted to remain inside the European Union, the referendum result came initially as an unwelcome shock to most of those who are in the business of doing business. But as Napoleon Hill once pointed out, every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.

Agile and forward thinking UK SME’s can mitigate the risks associated with leaving the EU by structuring their affairs in such a way that they do not actually leave it at all.

Creating an EU subsidiary will not only allow them to capitalise on the opportunities afforded by continuing to freely trade with the remaining 27 member states within the world’s largest trading bloc, but also it will give them a distinct advantage over their UK competitors who don’t seize the initiative and simply retreat behind the drawbridge and wait to see what happens next. Procrastination is not only the thief of time, it also does a pretty good job of ensuring that business is not as brisk as it should be.

Consequently, the post-Brexit period of widespread uncertainty in which we now find ourselves in is the perfect time for UK companies to secure their future by opening a branch office in Europe’s powerhouse economy, Germany.

Not only will so doing ensure that they can continue to trade and to provide services throughout the entire European Union but also it will alleviate any fears that customers or suppliers might have by demonstrating that they are fully committed to the European project, despite the Brexit outcome and all the uncertainties associated with it.

Securing a foothold in Europe’s key market, therefore, offers enormous advantages to SME’s already trading with Germany, but also to companies that have been considering establishing a presence in Europe anyway.

Only an hour or so flight from most UK airports, Germany has a business friendly tax and legal system and its central location within Europe makes it the natural choice for British companies looking to establish a subsidiary or branch office on the continental mainland.

The most common legal form is to establish a GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) which is German for “company with limited liability” – The name of the GmbH form emphasizes the fact that the owners (Gesellschafter, also known as members) of the entity are not personally liable for the company’s debts.

It is widely accepted that a GmbH is formed in three stages: the founding association, which is regarded as a private partnership with full liability of the founding partners/members; the founded company (often styled as “GmbH I.G.”, with “I.G.” standing for in Gründung – literally “in the founding stages”, with the meaning of “registration pending”); and finally the fully registered GmbH. Only the registration of the company in the Commercial Register (Handelsregister) provides the GmbH with its full legal status.

Under German law, the GmbH must have a minimum founding capital, from which €12,500 have to be raised before registering in the commercial register. The company is run only by the managing directors (Geschäftsführer) who have an unrestricted proxy for the company and must be either a national of a European Union country or have a German work permit. Shareholders, on the other hand, can be any UK entity, be it a person or a UK Limited company.

Other factors to bear in mind when establishing a presence in Germany includes securing a business address, launching a German language website – local law dictates this must include an ‘impressum’ which outlines company details, appointing a good tax consultant, and hiring at least one German speaking representative that can help during the formation period and possibly beyond.

Unlike in the UK, joining the local chambers of commerce is mandatory. However, doing so will allow members grow their business contacts. Social network XING is their LinkedIn, which is another useful way to engage with prospective customers or partners.

Brexit came as a shock to most Germans. Many are Anglophiles at heart and would welcome the opportunity to continue working with British companies that elected not to leave the European Union after all.

[ad_2]

Source by Marc Jarrett

[ad_1]

unique from each other and influence them to represent themselves in the market. We’re creating customized boxes from the various cardboard boxes stocks avail. Initially, they appear to be exceptionally easy to fabricate yet a profound examination of the procedure uncovers that part of Steps is engaged with conveying them to flawlessness. All the custom boxes making steps starting from scanning, assembling, printing, die cutting, lamination and pasting all these steps needs 100% perfection to bring a perfect box.

We performed/manufactured custom packaging boxes order globally as per different client purposes; the most common of them is to fit for the product influencing brand awareness, storage, product shipping and counter display all kinds of counter products from different industries custom boxes like Display Boxes, Custom E-Liquid Boxes, Food Packaging Boxes, Candle Packaging Boxes, Cosmetic Boxes, T-Shirt Packaging Boxes, Soap Packaging Boxes, Header Card Packaging, Pillow Boxes, 10ml Bottle Boxes, 30ml Bottle Boxes and many more. Brillantpackagingsuppliers.com can beat your budget and competitors rates with ensuring the best quality. Our boxes are produced in-house by promising consideration and attention so customer necessities are satisfied in an effective way. Brilliant Packaging Suppliers are creating boxes by TCB from 100% recycled material, eco-friendly healthy and green environment. Our Customer Services Representatives are available 24/7 to entertain your queries and concerns.

Custompackagingco.co.UK offering you custom packaging boxes solutions as per your requirements from last 10 year’s. We have updated and advanced technology to ensure all the packaging boxes we make higher quality. The printing process that we are using offset printing, screen printing, digital printing. Customer 100% satisfaction is our first priority and we try our best to come up with products. We’re using best environment and customer friendly raw stock for printing boxes without affecting the US standard quality. We are printing all box shapes and sizes that you want. We are offering you professional designing services at zero $ cost.

Custom soap packaging boxes will frame a powerful brand picture of your organization. These soap boxes will enable you to keep your item to put something aside for long-term and in relentless conditions. Getting an exquisite printing configuration will make these custom printed boxes all the more luring. Do you need the printing to look distinct and inspire purchaser at first sight? Get custom soap packaging boxes to ensure you pull in your objective customers with imaginative boxes. We being the proprietor of the most recent machines help us to give additional common printing office under one rooftop. These printing boxes will change into the best-promoting instrument. Not exclusively are you getting superb, safe, and strong packaging at discount. However, you are additionally accepting tastefully satisfying and excellent outlines. Set your image apart and construct your image acknowledgment with the top of the line packaging that compliments and suits your soap items.

[ad_2]

Source by Muhammad Ijaz

[ad_1]

Certificates of sponsorship allowance.

We wish to remind all sponsors that the allocation of certificates of sponsorship (CoS) is not automatically renewed and must be requested annually through the sponsor management system (SMS) within a year from the previous allocation.

Licensed sponsors who registered with multiple tiers and categories of the points-based system and obtained registration at different times can choose to align their expiry dates to make the management of renewal process easier.

Sponsors, who will fail to renew their request, will not be able to issue certificates of sponsorship until their new certificates allowance is approved by the UK Border Agency.

Identity Cards and Biometrics for Foreign Nationals under Tier 2 scheme

As part of the 3 years plan the UK Border Agency is introducing Identity Cards (ID) for foreign nationals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and their dependants who are coming to the UK for more than 6 months or are extending their stay.

Until the end of 2009, only foreign nationals applying for an extension of leave in the UK as a spouse or a student were required to apply for an ID card.

However, from 6 January 2010 those applying to switch or extend their Tier 2/Work Permit visa will be also required to attend a biometric appointment and will be issued with an Identity Card for Foreign Nationals (ICFN) upon successful application.

The roll-out of the identity cards for those in Tier 1 Highly Skilled Workers and Tier 5 Temporary Workers categories of the points-based system has also been brought forward from 2011 to 2010.

Changes to the Resident Labour Market Test

Until 14 December 2009 an organization sponsoring a foreign worker under the Tier 2/ Work Permit category had to conduct 2 weeks resident labour market test, or one week for jobs with a salary exceeding the amount of £40,000, before being able to fill a vacancy with an overseas worker. Following the Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendations all jobs, regardless of the salary have to be advertised for 28 calendar days unless they appear on a Shortage Occupation List.

However, the advertising campaign does not have to run continuously for 4 weeks period. UK employers can advertise initially for a 2 weeks period so that if suitable resident workers are found, they can be recruited as quickly as possible.

Shortage Occupation List

Following MAC’s report the Shortage Occupation List for Tier 2/Work Permit of the points-based system was amended and the following occupations were added to the list:

· teachers in special schools;

· skilled meat boners and trimmers;

· specialised jobs in the electricity transmission and distribution industry;

· some medical specialties, including higher-level specialty pediatrics trainees; and

· aircraft technicians and fitters.

Skilled chefs remain on the list, however, there are plans for an extensive training to be offered to the UK workforce in this field. Thus, it is likely that this occupation will be removed from the list.

Some of engineering, construction and ship and hovercraft officers’ jobs have now been removed from the list in line with changing economic circumstances.

Clarifications on Takeovers and Mergers

The existing sponsor must notify the UKBA within 28 days of the takeover, using the sponsorship management system (SMS) and report migrants who are not transferring to the new sponsor – these migrants’ permission to stay and work in the UK might be curtailed.

The new organization must apply for a sponsor licence unless it does already have one, within 28 days of the change.

If a sponsor is taken over, any of its employees who transfer to the new company are covered by the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE).

Intra Company Transfers – further clarification on definition of the term ‘directly replacing’

The Guidance for Sponsor applications – Tier 2, Tier 4 and Tier 5 of the Points Based System – Paragraph 171 states:

“Migrants entering the United Kingdom under Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer must not be ‘directly replacing’ a settled worker and with the intention of Tier 2.”

The UKBA policy team has now confirmed that as long as the position to be filled is not one that would normally be filled by a resident worker, and the original incumbent is not removed to make way for the new employee, it will meet Tier 2 (ICT) criteria.

[ad_2]

Source by Monika Jablecka

[ad_1]

When the earliest Dutch and European settlers travelled to South Africa they took with them something special; the basic recipe for Biltong. The idea of curing and drying meat had been around for centuries, probably millennia, and was also found amongst existing residents. South Africa’s abundance of game made it an ideal place for European settlers to establish themselves, and the tradition of air-dry cured meat was the ideal way to make the most of this abundance. Biltong has evolved into a delicious, versatile ‘processed’ meat, which is not only a favourite snack food, but can provide the basis for a huge range of dishes, from soups to stews to salads. You’d think the EU wouldn’t mind people bringing it back. Sadly, they do!

The Import Ban on Food Products to the EU

Biltong, unfortunately, falls under the strict regulations that the EU imposes on the import of foodstuffs. Import and export of foodstuffs between EU countries themselves is not restricted. However, the import of meat and meat products, fish, poultry and vegetable products are all subject to strict control when brought from outside of the EU. Food importers are able to import some items but the lengthy and complex process for registration and permission is more than most can cope with. So what’s the problem and what are the restrictions?

The problem, in short, is that the European authorities take the concerns over the introduction of non-native pests and diseases very seriously. An outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in the UK in 2001 had a devastating impact on the UK’s farmers and food suppliers. This was most likely a home-grown disaster, but the authorities point to it as an example of how serious infections and disease can be. There are lesser restrictions on some dairy and poultry produce from non-EU countries but the restrictions on meat and meat products are the most stringent. Biltong, sadly for ex-pats of South Africa, falls under this category. In the past the restrictions were largely aimed at commercial importers but these have been extended to individual travellers and means that it is now illegal to bring this type of product into EU countries including the UK.

This means that there are heavy penalties for bringing ‘outlawed meat’ into the EU and they are dealt with under smuggling regulations. Entry into EU countries will be severely delayed, possibly refused or end in prosecution, if you are caught trying to ‘smuggle’ even the most innocuous of snack items into an EU state. The laws also apply to postal deliveries from distant shores, which will be classed as an attempt to import illegal foodstuffs into the country and result in the same penalties. Postal deliveries are probably more likely to be detected than attempts to accidentally bring a pack of Biltong into the EU, but neither is to be recommended and you should always check current EU regulations to avoid mistakes. Thankfully, with the number of South African residents growing in the UK and Europe, the idea of producing a little bit of home while away has resulted in Biltong production in the UK and other EU nations. Using traditional South African methods and recipes the number of biltong suppliers is on the rise. Not only providing a much needed reminder of home, but also teaching a whole new generation of Europeans about the joys of Biltong.

[ad_2]

Source by Lynette Holroyd

[ad_1]

It is starting to become accepted amongst management that Continuous Improvement (CI) requires an appropriate organisational culture change to create a sustainable improvement and benefits stream.

Whilst this emanates from research which goes back to the early 1990s, it has been slow to gain acceptance amongst business leaders, possibly due to scepticism, as after all, organisational culture is seen by many as being intangible, ‘soft and fluffy’.

Practical experiences and setbacks in the successful adoption of Continuous Improvement by practitioners, coupled with continued research (for example, see Jager et al, 2004 ; Gallear & Ghobadian,2004 ; Tennant & Warwood & Chiang, 2002 ; Warwood & Roberts 2004 ) has led to this final acceptance that organisational culture is a contributory factor in the successful adoption of Continuous Improvement.

The study.

As part of a PhD research programme, a pilot study amongst UK manufacturing companies was conducted. All of the companies in the sample had implemented Lean manufacturing techniques, although at different points in time, so each could be regarded as being at different points on the ‘journey’, but they all shared dissatisfaction with the results they had each attained with their Lean programmes.

Organisational culture assessments, consisting of both quantitative and qualitative approaches were conducted with each of the companies, involving several days with each. The approach was consistently applied across all of the companies in the sample.

Some of the findings.

The results were analysed and the findings which were drawn from these which showed that overall, the top three categories of organisational culture which were ‘resisting’ Lean implementation were Communications, Training & Development of employees, and Planning.

Employees saw the type and level of communications as being inadequate in engaging them with Lean, often inconsistent and contradictory.

Insufficient training and development of staff before and after the initial implementation of Lean made left employees not knowing what it was all about, and how to operate in the new ways of working. This extended to managers also.

The planning category included both planning for Lean, as well as strategic and operational planning. Overall, employees felt that there was a lack of coherent planning and direction, which led them to doubt the ability of the management to manage, as well as to ‘lead’ the implementation of Lean.

Finding out more.

If you would like to find out more about the findings of this research and practical ways of improving your Continuous Improvement (CI) programme, you can come and hear Tim Franklin talk at the Southern Manufacturing event and exhibition at Thorpe Park on Wednesday 8th February 2006 (“How Mean is your Lean?”), as well as on Thursday 9th February 2006 (“Accelerating your business improvement”). Alternatively you can contact Tim timfranklin@ambianceconsulting.co.uk

Sources:

Jager, B. d: Minnie, C; Jager, J. d; Welgemoed, M; Bessant, J; and Francis, D. (2004).

Enabling continuous improvements: a case study of implementations. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol 15, number 4.

Gallear, D; & Ghobadian, A. (2004). An empirical investigation of the channels that facilitate a total quality culture. Total quality management, Vol 15, number 8.

Tennant, C; Warwood, S.J.; & & Chiang, M. M. P. (2002). A Continuous Improvement process at Severn Trent Water. The TQM Magazine, Volume 14, number 5.

Warwood, S.J.; & Roberts, P.A.B. (2004). A survey of TQM success factors in the UK. Total Quality Management, Volume 15, number 8.

Tim Franklin MBA

[ad_2]

Source by Tim W Franklin

[ad_1]

Brexit is now a reality after the EU Referendum resulted in a 52% ‘Leave’ vote. What remains to be seen is how and when we leave the EU and what the shape of our future relationship with it will be. There are still an enormous number of unknowns but the impact of Brexit on the UK’s legal system could be wide ranging in many areas, whatever form Brexit takes.

Under the Ordinary Legislative Procedure (in somewhat simplified terms), the Executive body, the European Commission (essentially the EU’s civil service and government) proposes new legislation. The proposals are then commented on and revised by the European Parliament (which has directly elected representatives but no legislative initiative) and by the Council of the European Union (Council), the main decision making body made up of ministerial representatives from each Member State. Trilogies then begin between the three bodies to resolve differences and finally agree legislation. Legislation can also be adopted under the more complex Special Legislative Procedure. For legal firms in London, it is necessary to keep a close watch on this part.

Treaties

The Treaties of the European Union set out the constitutional basis of the EU and are the highest level of EU legislation. They create the Single Market based on the four fundamental freedoms of the European Union: freedom of movement of people, services, goods, and capital. EU Treaties are incorporated into UK law by the European Communities Act 1972 (ECA) which also provides the legislative basis for transposing EU law into domestic law and gives precedence to binding provisions of EU law over inconsistent UK legislation and legal firms in London.

Regulations and Directives

At the next level of legislation are EU Regulations. These are directly applicable under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union which means they apply in Member States without the need for implementing legislation. Conversely, Directives require Member States to draft legislation to transpose them into their own law. This has resulted in individual Member States taking differing approaches, for example, by ‘gold plating’ legislation, i.e. going beyond the scope of the Directive. As the EU has focused on “ever closer union”, however, Directives have recently tended to be maximum harmonisation measures which means that gold plating is not permitted and guidelines to prevent gold plating were adopted in the UK in 2011.

Decisions

At the lowest end of the legislative scale are Commission Decisions which are binding on the subject, and opinions and recommendations which have no legally binding effect.

Areas of influence

The EU can only legislate in certain areas. It has no discretion to adopt legally binding acts which require Member States to harmonise their laws on areas including healthcare, culture, industry, education and tourism. It has exclusive competence in the areas of customs union, competition and some common policies. Other areas have shared competence (which means Member States can act if the EU has chosen not to). These areas include social policy, agriculture, consumer protection, transport and the environment. The UK has various opt-outs, including one in respect of laws on freedom, security and justice.

[ad_2]

Source by Hudson Mckenzie

[ad_1]

A new trend these days is that single UK women are looking for American men online. Why so? Many people say that they do this to show off to the pubic. They both want to show that they are dating a partner who is not from their country and culture and they are quiet different with one another. This may or may not be true. There are several UK women who want to understand more about the US living style. You can say that they want to copy each other’s life style. Interracial marriages are very common these days. 

The UK women love to explore the culture of US through her American husband. Thus, pass this modern living style to her family and friends. Numerous British girls are dating American males for this reason. Where these girls find American males online? Many find them at the parties. Several Americans live in UK and many British people live in US. Thus, meeting one another is quiet common. Several single UK females have crush on American males. When they get acquainted with one another, they like dating. It may be possible that they fall in love with each other and decide to marry. You must be glad to know that thousands of interracial UK-American marriages and relationships on yearly basis. This is the modern world. You can expect anything.

Several UK daring websites allow Americans to join and create profiles. Thus, it becomes easy for the UK girls to meet American men online with ease. They get good opportunity to understand one another with the comfort of your home. These sites are easy to access and are very convenient to use. The best part is that these sites are available as free dating sites too. You can use the services for free of cost. 

There is no need to spend your money in the bars and pubs anymore. Even American males get attracted towards British girls. You must be affectionate with one another. Find the perfect match for you on these dating sites. You can also join American dating websites so that you can choose a perfect American male partner for you from thousands of choices. Isn’t that great? How about dating bureau? There are abundant of dating cases these days online. It may be possible that you have joined one of these sites because you do not have a good number of friends around you and you are certainly alone. 

You can not find long term relationship or highly compatible relationship at public places like nightclubs. Hundreds of single UK girls join the UK dating sites so that they can find a good boyfriend. You can create your own personal advertisement. You can meet males from other western, Asian and European countries too. Yeah, you can specify that you want to date an American male only. The online dating is the most developed and most advanced mode of dating. You do not have to pay any fee and can interact with as many members as you want. 

[ad_2]

Source by Kim Crowny

[ad_1]

DEFINITION OF PERSONAL AND PAYDAY LOANS

Most people feel that payday loans and personal loans are one and the same thing, but this is not at all true. They may seem similar, but they have many big differences which set the two options at opposite poles. One should consider the credit and the amount one needs to borrow to know what one qualifies for before one applies for it.

Personal and payday loans are both useful when one requires an extra boost in finances, but this is the only similarity between them. The factors that vary are the term, cost and the amount among other different finances.

DIFFERENTIATING FACTORS

The loan amount also differs when it comes to a comparison between the two. Most banks in the UK do not lend less than 1000 pounds for a 12 month period in case of personal loans.

When it comes to cost comparison, personal ones are considerably cheaper with a maximum APR of 29.9% but one needs to have good and excellent credit. Payday loans can be usually more expensive, but it does not require any strict credit requirement.

When it comes to loan term, personal loans offer around 5 years maximum as the loan tenure. Payday have a shorter term of around two to maybe four weeks that can go upto 12 months.

When it comes to eligibility, personal loans which are offered by credit unions and banks have very strict criteria for eligibility. They generally require borrowers to have a good credit along with a fairly strong financial background. Payday loans seem much more flexible in comparison as lenders only require that the borrowers have a proper and regular source of income for qualifying.

Personal loan lenders are online lenders, banks, peer to peer lenders and credit unions whereas payday loans are offered by those lenders who specialize in check cashing services and short term lending.

PAYDAY OR SHORT TERM LOANS

Payday loans, auto title loans and instalment loans have high fees and rates which could trap a person in a debt cycle. The person could be forced to take a second or even third loan just because they couldn’t pay the first one in the stipulated time limit. Alternatives to short term loans like local resources such as local charities, government agencies and non-profits offer relatively free services for financial needs and also help with rent, food and utilities for those people who are in dire need of it.

One can also get payment extensions by talking with the concerned bill providers regarding an extension or a longer time frame or payment plan if one is behind on his or her payments. One can also take side jobs to catch up on the payment.

COST FOR EACH OPTION

The payment cost varies when it comes to payday loans versus personal loans. The interest rate that you will receive along with the terms is based on the individual’s credit history and if one has collateral or not along with the amount you borrow and the stipulated loan term.

Payday loans whereas have APRs of three or four digits (100%-1000%). The actual total cost depends on the state of living of the borrower. APR represents the yearly cost which is important to note.

DECIDING THE RIGHT TYPE OF LOAN

Deciding whether to opt for a payday loan or a personal loan depends on the amount of money that the individual intends to borrow and it also depends on the person’s credit. If one needs to borrow around 50 pounds to 1000 pounds, he or she can opt for a short term loan as personal loans require the person to borrow a minimum of 1000 pounds to around 2000 pounds.

One must also consider the time factor. Short term loans offer faster times for the turnaround when compared to personal loans as it involves less approval process. Nowadays, more and more personal loan providers are shifting online hence they have almost the same processing speeds similar to short term loans like payday loans.

Credit history is also an important factor. If the borrower has excellent credit scores, they are more likely to save money by obtaining a personal loan at lower interest when compared to a payday loan which will be available at higher cost.

The total cost of the loan depends on the borrower’s monthly payments and also depends on the total amount to be repaid which depends mostly on the interest rate. One should always compare and consider various different options and check on online calculators offered by the lender to see which mode of loan is best suitable for your needs and how much one will need to repay.

ALTERNATIVES AVAILABLE

There are many alternative options available to personal loans and payday loans which can be beneficial to the borrower. One can borrow a small sum or amount of money without the need for the borrower taking on a payday loan.

Another short term loan is an installment loan in which the borrower repays the amount in a single lump sum. Thus, personal loans and payday loans for bad credit can be beneficial only when one carefully examines which loan type is best suited for his or her needs.

[ad_2]

Source by Shalini M

[ad_1]

Why Prove Your Identity?

When financial service firms ask you for proof of identity, it doesn’t mean they suspect you of being a Robert Maxwell figure of ill-repute. No, the law requires them to verify the identity of their customers.

Normally, firms do this when you first become a customer. However, they may also ask you to prove your identity if you are already a customer. This is often due to:

• You were a customer before the ID requirements became a legal requirement (i.e. pre 9/11) or when the standards for checks were different from those needed today.
• The service provider may want to ensure that the information it has on you is up to date
• You may be applying for a new product or service
• The firm wants to protect itself and you from fraud

Proving Your Identity

Neither the law or the UK’s Financial Service Authority (FSA), set out specific details on how firms should authenticate their customers’ identity, however most reputable firms must follow the industry protocols from the Joint Money Laundering Steering Group (JMLSG).

Firms might ask you for different forms of identification, but most firms will ask you for official national identity documents to verify your name and either your address or your date of birth. The following examples include:

• A UK government-issued document with either your full name and a photograph (such as a valid passport or a valid photocard driving licence), or
• A government-issued document with your full name and title but without a photograph (e.g old style UK passport), plus another document that states your full name and either your full name, your address and/or you birth date.

If you’re unable to provide these for any reason, the above documents, the following may suffice:

• A letter from a local or central government agency confirming a right to welfare/state benefits such as a pension, council tax, housing benefit, or
• Suitable confirmation of identity from a young person’s workplace or education institution, or
• A letter confirming your idenity from a care home manager or a warden of sheltered accommodation or a refuge

All firms have their own policy on which documents they will accept so they should explain this to you beforehand.

Where firms use electronic databases to verfiy your identity (i.e. credit applications), they may not ask you to provide identity documents.

If you have difficulty proving your identity, the member of staff dealing with your application, should pass the matter to someone who is authorised to decide that you are who you say you are.

[ad_2]

Source by Max O’Shay