Actors 'not suitable for references' says UK passport office official

An actor has been left stunned after he was deemed to not have a "proper job" by Passport Office staff.

Michael Sheldon signed his daughter's boyfriend's passport application as a referee, but the request was declined, partly because acting was not on the list of the “type of person that would be suitable” to provide a reference.

As a result of the incident, Malcolm Sinclair, president of the actor's union Equity, wrote to British Home Secretary Theresa May.

He told The Stage magazine: "Unless we are told otherwise, we must take it that the views of a clerk in the passport office represent those of the government.

"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 service has since apologised for any offence cause and they are now investigating the incident.