Hiring the right talent is essential, but so is ensuring that your business remains compliant with UK immigration laws. If you’re wondering, “How can employers ensure workers have the right to work in the UK?”, you’re not alone. At Lexvisa, a leading London law firm, our expert immigration team provides specialist advice to employers, helping you protect your business from costly penalties.
What are Right to Work Checks and why are they Important?
Every UK employer must conduct right to work checks before hiring an employee. Failure to do so can lead to civil penalties of up to £60,000 per illegal worker, criminal sanctions, and even business closure.
Choosing Lexvisa’s immigration specialists ensures you stay on the right side of the law. We guide businesses through every step of compliance, offering robust protection and peace of mind.
When Should Right to Work Checks be Carried out?
Right to work checks must be completed before employment begins. This can happen at the interview stage or before the first working day. Employers must verify identity, nationality, and visa validity to prevent illegal working.
With the recent Home Office announcement that checks will soon extend to gig economy and zero-hours workers, it’s even more crucial to stay ahead. Trust Lexvisa’s leading immigration lawyers to future-proof your hiring practices.
What Types of Right to Work Checks are Available?
Employers have three main options:
- Manual checks: Inspecting original documents in person.
- Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT): For British and Irish nationals via accredited identity service providers.
- Home Office Online Service: Using share codes to verify visa holders’ status.
Our expert immigration team can advise you on the best and most efficient method for your business.
How do you Conduct a Manual Right to Work Check Correctly?
Manual checks involve:
- Verifying original documents in person or via video call.
- Ensuring authenticity and matching photographs.
- Checking work permissions and visa expiry dates.
- Keeping dated copies securely for the duration of employment plus two years.
Avoid common pitfalls with the support of Lexvisa’s specialist immigration lawyers. We help you set up foolproof compliance systems.
How Does the Home Office Online Right to Work Check Work?
Since April 2022, certain visa holders (biometric residence cards, frontier worker permits) must be checked online using a share code provided by the employee.
Our team ensures you complete these checks accurately, so your statutory excuse against penalties remains intact.
When Should Employers Contact the Home Office Employer Checking Service?
You should contact the Home Office if:
- An employee has an outstanding application or appeal.
- They lack standard documents due to historical immigration circumstances.
- They present a digital certificate of application.
Lexvisa’s immigration specialists can handle these queries for you efficiently, saving your HR team time and ensuring compliance.
Why are Follow-up Right to Work Checks Essential?
When hiring employees with time-limited visas, you must perform follow-up checks before their right to work expires.
With Home Office enforcement becoming more aggressive, missing a follow-up check could cost your business dearly. Partner with Lexvisa, a leading London law firm, to stay protected.
Why Choose Lexvisa for Right to Work Compliance?
- Expert Immigration Team: Highly trained specialists with deep understanding of Home Office procedures.
- Customised Compliance Solutions: Tailored to your business model, whether you’re a startup or multinational.
- Trusted London Firm: Known for safeguarding businesses across a range of sectors.
- Proactive Risk Management: We anticipate challenges before they arise, not after.
Don’t risk your business’s future. Let Lexvisa’s immigration experts handle your right to work compliance with confidence and professionalism.
FAQs on Right to Work Checks
When must a right to work check be completed?
Before the employee begins work, at either the interview or onboarding stage.
Can I check right to work documents online?
Yes, for certain visa holders using the Home Office’s online service with a share code.
What happens if I skip a right to work check?
You could face fines up to £60,000, criminal prosecution, and business closure.
Do right to work checks apply to gig economy workers?
Soon, yes. New Home Office rules are expanding requirements to sectors like food delivery and construction.
Why instruct Lexvisa?
We are a leading London law firm with a specialist immigration team providing proven, proactive, and bespoke compliance solutions.
Protect Your Business Today
Speak to Lexvisa’s expert immigration team about securing your compliance strategy and avoid costly penalties.
