Official: 'Acting not a proper job'
An investigation has been launched after passport office staff deemed that acting was "not a proper job".
Michael Sheldon, who is appearing in a West End production of Three Days in May, countersigned a passport form for his daughter's boyfriend.
But the application was rejected after staff told him that Sheldon was not regarded as an acceptable referee, reports the Daily Telegraph.
Malcolm Sinclair, president of the actor's union Equity, wrote to Home Secretary Theresa May, saying that to be told acting was "not a proper job: was "simply unacceptable".
He told The Stage newspaper the rejection was "staggering and something I felt I had to challenge".
"Unless we are told otherwise, we must take it that the views of a clerk in the passport office represent those of the Government,'' he said.
"If it is the Government's opinion that 'acting is not a proper job' then I think they should come out with it."
The passport application was also rejected due to an unsuitable photograph.
A spokesman for the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) said: "We will be investigating and looking at whether further staff training is required.
"The occupation of the counter-signatory is not a determining factor in considering a passport application."
Michael Sheldon, who is appearing in a West End production of Three Days in May, countersigned a passport form for his daughter's boyfriend.
But the application was rejected after staff told him that Sheldon was not regarded as an acceptable referee, reports the Daily Telegraph.
Malcolm Sinclair, president of the actor's union Equity, wrote to Home Secretary Theresa May, saying that to be told acting was "not a proper job: was "simply unacceptable".
He told The Stage newspaper the rejection was "staggering and something I felt I had to challenge".
"Unless we are told otherwise, we must take it that the views of a clerk in the passport office represent those of the Government,'' he said.
"If it is the Government's opinion that 'acting is not a proper job' then I think they should come out with it."
The passport application was also rejected due to an unsuitable photograph.
A spokesman for the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) said: "We will be investigating and looking at whether further staff training is required.
"The occupation of the counter-signatory is not a determining factor in considering a passport application."
