Applying for Biometric Doc with Indefinite Leave to Enter UK

[moosey]

I arrived in the UK in 1983 on a NZ passport with a Grand Parental Patriality Scheme "Given Leave to Enter the UK for an indefinite Period" Stamp. This was carried over in subsequent passports until circa 1997, when the Border Agency ceased the practice of carrying it over to the new passport, but said to carry the old passport with me when entering the UK.
I was always aware also, that this stamp gave me the right to work in the UK.
After many years of living in the UK with my British wife, and working overseas with American companies, I have now been laid off and need to find work here in the UK.
I have started applying through manpower agencies, and they have asked for proof of my right to work in the UK to which I proffered my ILE stamp in my expired NZ passport. To my great surprise, It is not accepted as such.
A call to a lady in the Home Office tells me that although I have the right to work in the UK, I don't have the proof and I need to fill out a NTL form and send off my passport to apply for a Bio-metric Resident Permit and that this will take 6 months to complete!
My question; Is there anything I can show to prospective employers to prove I am legally allowed to work in the UK while the BRP paperwork is going through?

[CR001]

No unfortunately not. They will want to see only the BRP card as your proof to work.

Companies receive huge fines for employing illegal workers so the majority of them are over cautious now.

[vinny]

ECS?

[CR001]

ECS?

Would agencies and prospective employers go through this though??

[moosey]

Thanks for those replies.....what's ECS?

And while I'm here, whats the difference between given leave to enter, and given leave to remain?


tia

[CR001]

ECS = Employment Checking Service

ILE (Indefinite leave to enter) is only applied for and issued outside the UK.

ILR (Indefinite leave to remain) is only applied for within the UK after meeting various requirements depending on the visa category.

[moosey]

I cannot afford to wait 6 months so I booked in for the premium service in person.
827 quid later, I have a date booked for the 19 June. Ripping off b******s!!!!

[CR001]

Just bear in mind that you won't get your BRP card on the day, it is delivered by DX courier within 7 to 10 days.