UK Right to work checks extended until 5 April 2022

GEPP

13 September 2021

By Jemma Bennett

The UK Home Office announced that the temporary COVID-19 adjusted right-to-work checks have been extended until 5 April 2022.  This was following the positive feedback from companies on remote checks.

All employers are required to complete a right to work check on or prior to any employee's start date.  From 30 March 2020, the Home Office made temporary changes the checks and it has confirmed that these measures will remain in place until 5 April 2022.

The temporary changes allow employers to conduct right-to-work checks via video calls.  Employees are able to send scanned copies or photos of their ID documents via email or through a mobile application.   Once the documents are received, employers are able to conduct the right-to-work video call.  During the call, the individual is required to hold up the original documents to the camera and the employer will check them against the received documentation.  Following the video call, the employer must sign, date and mark the document with "adjusted checked undertaken on [date] due to COVID-19"

If the individual has a current Biometric Residence Permit or status under the EU Settlement Scheme, the employer can use the online right to work checking system and subsequently validate their identity on a video call.

In cases where an individual is unable to present their documents for identification, employers should use the Home Office Checking Service. 

The above is not intended to be legal advice, if you require any further assistance in relation to the topic above, please contact Alexandra Dean at deana@gepp.co.uk.