Countries do occasionally change their passports, so employers will need to handle any discrepancies sensitively.
If there is any doubt as to the authenticity of the passport presented by the applicant, employers should contact the Home Office to make sure the passport for that country hasn't changed.
Information can be found on the Government website within the ‘Travel and identity documents for foreign nationals’ section.
Alternatively, employers can use their local counter-fraud service to do this on their behalf.
Where checks return information that contradicts the details provided by the candidate and raises concerns, employers should:
- Proceed in a sensitive manner; there is often a reasonable explanation for apparent inconsistencies.
- Attempt to address any concerns directly with the candidate. Employers may wish to call them back for a second interview so that they have the opportunity to follow up with the relevant sources.
In exceptional circumstances, employers may feel it appropriate to report their concerns to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority (CFA) or the local police.
The NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA is a special health authority tasked to lead the fight against fraud, bribery and corruption in the NHS.
You can contact NHS CFA on 0800 028 4060 or by using their online reporting form.