If you’re applying for a new job, going through a screening process, or simply want a clear record of where you’ve worked and when, knowing how to get your 5‑year employment history is really useful. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to obtain it, what you’ll need, and some handy tips to make it smooth and straightforward.
What Is the 5‑Year Employment History?
Your 5‑year employment history is a record of your work under PAYE (Pay As You Earn) during the past five years. It typically lists your employers, start and end dates, pay, and tax contributions. Many recruiters or employers will ask for it to verify your experience and track record.
Why It Matters
- Helps confirm your previous employment dates and roles.
- Supports screening processes like a BPSS background check for roles needing trusted clearance.
- Ensures you can fully account for your time during the last five years.
- Provides evidence if you need to explain a gap in your work history.
How Can I Obtain My Work History: The Step‑By‑Step Process
Here’s a practical guide to how to get a 5-year employment history via the UK system.
Step 1: Sign in or Set Up Your Government Gateway Account
- Go to the site of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and log in to your Personal Tax Account.
- If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to register: you’ll need your National Insurance number and some identity verification.
- There is also a mobile app you can use. (HMRC app)
Step 2: Access Your PAYE Income Tax History
- Once logged in, navigate to PAYE Income Tax History or a similar heading that shows previous tax years.
- Look for “Check previous tax years” or “Your employment history”. According to guidance, you can view past years of employment.
- You should see your employment record for each tax year, jobs, dates, and pay under each employer.
Step 3: Download or Print the Record
- Use the option to print or save as a PDF.
- Ensure the details include employer names, dates, pay, and tax code.
- Keep a copy saved in a secure place (your computer, cloud storage, etc).
- If you prefer a paper copy, you may be able to request it from HMRC, but online access is much faster and free.
Table: Key Steps at A Glance
| Step | Action | Outcome |
| 1 | Log in or register with HMRC | You gain access to your tax account |
| 2 | Navigate to PAYE/Income‑tax history | You view your employment dates and employer names |
| 3 | Download or print your record | You have a documented record of your past five years |
What If You Can’t Access It Online?
- You can fill in a form to request your employment history by post if online access is not possible.
- Use the “Request your employment history” form from HMRC for older records.
- It may take longer by post, and you’ll need to provide identity details and the reason for the request.
What Should You Check on the Report?
When you have your employment history in hand, here are things to look for:
- Ensure the employer names match your memory of past jobs.
- Check start and end dates are accurate (month/year if available).
- Confirm pay and tax codes look reasonable (this helps show employment under PAYE).
- For any gaps (months when you didn’t work), be ready to explain them (study, travel, self‑employment, etc).
- If you’re completing a screening form, you may also need to list other activities during gaps. Having your record helps you be precise.
Use of this History in Screening and Onboarding
Employers and vetting organisations may ask for your employment history as part of a screening or clearance process. For example, if you are applying for an industry role that requires BPSS clearance, your work history and when you worked will matter.
By showing you have your how to obtain employment history ready, you help speed up the process. It also gives confidence to your employer that you have nothing hidden and you’re transparent.
Tips to Make the Process Easy
- Do it early: Get your record ahead of time so you can address any errors or missing info.
- Save multiple copies: PDF, cloud storage, and a physical print‑out can be useful.
- Check it regularly: If you have moved jobs a few times in the last five years, it’s good to verify the data.
- Prepare a personal timeline: Use your employment history to build a list of roles with titles, dates, and key duties. This makes filling in screening forms simpler.
- Explain any breaks: If the report shows periods without employment, have short notes ready for why (training, illness, travel, etc).
Conclusion
So that is how you can get your how to get a 5-year employment history sorted. Having a clear record helps with job applications, screening processes, and voluntary disclosures. It provides peace of mind and demonstrates that you have your work history in order.
If you are undergoing formal screening or need full verification of your work history for the purposes of a BPSS background check, you may wish to work with a specialist provider.
Need help preparing your employment history, understanding screening requirements, or achieving BPSS clearance? Get in touch with BPSS Check. We can guide you through the full process, ensure your documentation is correct, and support your compliance needs.
Common Questions Answered
Q: I worked abroad for part of the last five years. Does the HMRC record show that?
A: The HMRC PAYE history only shows UK PAYE employment. If you worked abroad, you may need to supply other evidence of that work or gaps.
Q: My employer has changed its name or been taken over. Will it still appear?
A: Yes, the record will show the legal employer under which you paid tax. If the company name changed, you might need to provide a note.
Q: What if my employment record is incorrect or missing jobs?
A: Contact HMRC to query missing entries. In parallel, you may gather old payslips, P60s, or letters from previous employers to support your timeline.
Q: How to prove 5 years of employment?
A: You can prove your 5 years of employment using your HMRC PAYE record, P60s, payslips, or letters from your employers. The HMRC Personal Tax Account provides an official record showing employers, dates, and tax contributions. This is often sufficient for screening or verification purposes.
Q: How can I find very old employment records?
A: For older employment records, you can contact HMRC to request historical PAYE data. Additionally, you can gather old payslips, P60s, employment contracts, or reference letters from previous employers. Some records may also be available through pension statements or tax returns.
Q: How far back can you check your employment history?
A: HMRC online services typically provide the last five tax years for PAYE employment. If you need records beyond five years, you can request older data directly from HMRC by post, though this may take longer to process.
Q: How to get a 5-year work history?
A: To get your 5-year work history, log into your HMRC Personal Tax Account and access your PAYE or Income Tax history. Download or print the record, which will show employers, dates, and tax contributions for the last five years.
Q: How to get your employment history?
A: You can obtain your employment history through HMRC online services or by requesting it via post. Keep a copy for your records and use it to support job applications, background checks, or other verification needs.
