Right to work documentation is absolutely critical for UK business owners, and you have a legal duty to verifying your team’s right to work documentation and conduct essential checks.
Non-compliance can land you in hot water, with fines of up to a whopping £45,000 per person for employing someone without the right documentation or failing to conduct proper checks!
Knowingly hiring individuals without the right to work in the UK can even lead to criminal prosecution and up to five years behind bars – a risk no business should take!
Conducting right to work checks involves three straightforward steps: obtaining documentation, verifying it, and retaining a copy of the check.
To safeguard your business and reputation, and to establish a defence against civil penalties, you should:
- Consider performing checks manually or digitally using an Identity Service Provider (IDSP).
- Use the Home Office Employer Checking Service (ECS) for online verifications.
For a more old-school approach, obtain original documents, verify the authenticity and accuracy in the presence of the employee, and securely store copies, along with the check date, for at least two years after employment ends.
When it comes to right to work checks, there’s no room for errors.
