Right to Work Checks
Protect your business from civil penalties by conducting lawful, compliant right-to-work checks on every employee. We train your team and review your processes for full Home Office compliance.
£60k
Max Civil Penalty
3
Check Methods
1day
Same-Day Guidance
QUICK OVERVIEW
Overview
What is the Right to Work Checks?
Every UK employer has a legal duty to check that anyone they employ has the right to work in the UK, before employment begins. Carrying out the check correctly gives you a “statutory excuse” against civil penalties, even if it later emerges the employee did not in fact have permission to work.
There are three lawful check methods: a manual document check, a Home Office online right-to-work check (for those with a digital immigration status), and a digital check via an Identity Service Provider (IDSP) for British and Irish citizens using certified identity document validation technology.
We review your current onboarding processes, advise on the correct check method for each hire, and can train your HR team so checks are consistently compliant going forward.
Eligibility
Do You Qualify?
To apply for the Right to Work Checks, you must meet the following criteria. Our team will assess your situation in a free consultation before any fees are charged.
Applies Before Employment Starts
The check must be completed before the individual starts work — checks done after the start date do not provide a statutory excuse.
Correct Method for Status Type
British and Irish citizens, digital immigration status holders, and physical document holders each require a different, specific check process.
Follow-Up Checks for Time-Limited Status
Where an employee has time-limited permission to work, a follow-up check must be carried out before that permission expires.
Document Retention
Copies of checks must be retained securely for the duration of employment and for two years afterwards.
Non-Discriminatory Process
Checks must be applied consistently to all prospective employees, regardless of nationality, to avoid discrimination claims.
Use of Home Office or Certified IDSP Tools
Online and digital checks must be carried out using the official Home Office checking service or a certified Identity Service Provider.
Application Process
How It Works
Our step-by-step process ensures your application is prepared accurately and submitted on time. We keep you informed at every stage.
Free Consultation & Process Review
We assess your current onboarding and right-to-work procedures to identify any compliance gaps.
Method Guidance for Each Hire Type
We confirm the correct check method — manual, online, or IDSP — for each category of employee you hire.
Policy & Template Set-Up
We help you implement a written right-to-work policy and document templates for consistent record-keeping.
Team Training
We train your HR or hiring managers on conducting and recording checks correctly.
Ongoing Compliance Support
We help set up a follow-up check calendar for employees with time-limited permission to work.
Audit-Ready Records
Your business is left with a defensible, audit-ready right-to-work compliance system.
Documents Required
What You'll Need
Below is the standard list of documents required. Your personal checklist may vary — we will confirm the exact requirements during your consultation.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
A statutory excuse is the legal protection an employer gains by correctly carrying out a right-to-work check before employment starts. It protects you from a civil penalty even if the employee’s right to work later turns out to be invalid, provided the check was done properly.
An Identity Service Provider (IDSP) is a certified company offering digital identity verification technology for British and Irish passport holders. Using one is optional but increasingly common for efficient, audit-ready checks.
Non-compliant checks can result in civil penalties of up to £60,000 per illegal worker and may affect any Sponsor Licence you hold. We help remediate processes quickly if gaps are identified.
Free Consultation
Speak with our immigration lawyer today
🔒 Your information is 100% confidential
VISA DETAILS
IAA Registered Firm
Registration Ref No. F202200016
Ready to Apply for Your
Right to Work Checks?
Book a free consultation today — no obligation.