In reply to Gaynor Williams.
Dear Gaynor,
I am sorry for the problems you have had with the Universal Jobmatch service.
When signing up to Universal Jobmatch, jobseekers are required to confirm that they have read the Universal Jobmatch Jobseeker Standards of Behaviour. One of the sections states:
7.2 You should not be asked to reveal personal details such as bank account details, National Insurance number, date of birth, driving licence or utility bill information as these items are not relevant to an application process.
It is for an employer to choose both the method of application and the level of detail to be displayed when advertising a job on Universal Jobmatch. However, the service relies on employers to adhere to specific Terms and Conditions which they must subscribe to before they access Universal Jobmatch. One of the sections states:
2.9.1 You agree to:
2.9.1.5 only collect personal information from jobseekers where there is a legitimate reason to do so. The following information must not be requested until a formal job offer has been made and accepted a) National Insurance Number; (b) Passport details; (c) Bank Account details; (d) evidence showing entitlement to work in the UK. Further guidance on the documents that can be requested to show an entitlement to work in the UK can be found on the UK Border Agency Site.
This means that you should not have been asked to provide the personal information you referred to. Therefore the Department for Work & Pensions would be grateful if you could pass on the details of the employer for them to be investigate and take the appropriate action. You can pass on the details via the Contact Us facility within the Universal Jobmatch service by clicking on the ‘Have a question?’ tab at the bottom of the page. Please also feel free to report any other concerns you have.
SAFERjobs (Safe Advice for Employment and Recruitment) (http://www.safer-jobs.com/) is a non-profit, joint industry and law enforcement organisation created in 2010 to raise awareness and combat criminal activities that may be attempted on those seeking a job, or through the services provided by the recruitment industry. It also provides a means for jobseekers to report any concerns regarding employers who are advertising online, or actual fraud.
SAFERjobs provides free advice to jobseekers where information is reported to them and do not share that information with anyone except The Metropolitan Police and the government department in the interest of investigating the issue. Where people choose to 'report' and share their concerns with SAFERjobs, that information is circulated to 3 members of the committee who will respond with advice. Please be assured that any information provided is treated in line with the Data Protection Act.
