suggested wording for small letter

[JessW]

Could any of you guys suggest how I say that so-and-so has worked for the restaurant since whenever so that a bank would allow him to open up a bank account, together with any other words I should include?  I don't want to say too little but at the same time I don't want to say too much, which might lead them to asking questions I would rather not answer, like how come he hasn't got a bank account already, how come he hardly speaks english and exactly what nationality is he (Spanish/Algerian just in case you are wondering!)

Thanks

Jess

[chevygirl55]

What kind of bank is asking those questions?  In 20 years in this business, I have never been asked any type of thing like that about an employee for a bank account.  Is he applying for a loan?  If so, there should be standard bank paperwork that is given to you that is signed by the employee that states his/her permission for you to give this information.  If you have a HR dept, I would refer this to them.  If you are the HR dept, I would be very wary.

chevygirl55

[editor]

ahh but in the UK when I presented myself at our bank where DeskDemon does business with my freshly minted Presidential business cards, AND a letter from the company owner, I was STILL questioned.  

I would suggest you send him to your bank, where your company does business and Lord help you if it's HSBC though it can be branch driven what the response is.

As far as wording, Try,,,

John smith is  recently employed as a cheif cook and bottle washer at our company, XYZ company.

As you know, XYZ comapny has held an account with UKBANK NAME since 1886, (Account number #xxxxxxx)  and  we would appreciate any assistance you can give John in establishing his financial affaires in the UK.

If you have questions please feel free to contact my Assistant, JW on Insert phone number here.....

Best Regards,

Signed by the company MD.

[JessW]

Just what I was looking for, except for the HSBC.  They were far more co-operative than Barclays when we set up.

This should allay some of a banks questions as to where if anywhere he might be getting his money from - pre-emptive strike you could call it.

My thought for the day!
Banks are weird - they give con artists millions in credit etcand us honest folk who work hard etc get turned down every time!

Thanks again

Jess

[andream]

Welcome Jess, sorry I posting in my Editor clothing there.  I can tell you HSBC ticked me off so badly that I moved not only my personal account but our business account to Halifax! ( well Bank of Scotland for the Business stuff)

Halifax has a level of customer service that I as a transplanted american find very VERY appealing!

Moi, who now has a current account and a couple of credit cards to boot!

[JessW]

Andrea

No problem - I get confused whether I am Marketing Director or Legal Administratormost of the time (the key for me is to look out of the window - if it is light I know I am getting paid, if it is dark I know it is time to do the marketing AND have something to eat).

I will bear what you said about HSBC in mind - if you have no problems with Halifax for business they cannot be all that bad!

Jess

[Jackie G]

Oh I dunno, the Halifax refused to give me a mortgage when I could clearly pay it (LOL!)  However, Andrea's right, you need to couch the letter in those terms.

I also have a restaurateur client and most of his part timers are Spanish who, even though they're here long term, have still managed, without too many problems as far as I know, to get accounts.  I will see if anyone can offer any enlightenment on this as I'm in there later.

Jackie
www.iqps.org
Peer Moderator

[JessW]

Thanks a lot.

As for Halifax I managed to get a loan for £80,000 at the same time as they set the baliffs on me 'cos an old account of mine was, apparently £192 overdrawn!! (LOL).  Shows they never speak to each other.

Jess