Is it possible to work without a NI number?

[jeh1967]

And also get paid a decent wage???

JEH67

[CheekyChops]

Everybody has a NI number - you get on when you are 16.  Why wouldn't you have one? Unless you are not a UK citizen?

[Scarlett]

You could do cash in hand type work and your boss wouldn't ask you for a NI number, but it is dodgy, and most people WILL ask you for it now. Unless you are self-employed.

[kempie]

Incorrect CheekyChops - there are various reasons why a person born and resident in the UK has not been allocated a NINO. Most people are issued their NI Card prior to their 16th birthday because they are a part of the Child Benefit system.

[goldenboy]

if you have no nino it is the employers responsibility to get you booked for an appointment to get one. you will be put on emergency tax until you get a nino, which is at a high rate. ( i think its about 33%). if you make a claim to benefits then you will be asked to attend a national insurance number interview a couple of weeks after your new claims interview for benefit. the social security system is run on national insurance numbers to pay benefits accurately.

[spk]

Just to clear up for cheeky chops- Im british- was born in london but left the uk when I was a baby and lived in Ireland. I didnt have a nino and had to apply for one when I got back to the uk. Only took a few weeks- some stupid questions and that was about it. Handy to have otherwise you dont get taxed right