Reminder: Rules for Right to Work Checks change from 1 October

In April, UKVI moved towards mandatory digital checks for most foreign nationals who work in the UK.  The concessions allowing remote checks introduced because of lockdowns were given a final extension to the end of September for British and Irish nationals.

From 1 October onwards, employers will either need to conduct checks for British and Irish nationals by seeing the original documents or if they wish to implement a remote method, make use of a certified Identity Document Service Provider (IDSP).

Regardless of whether you choose to go down the route of engaging with an IDSP, it is likely you will need to update your current processes to reflect the ending of covid concession for checks.

So, what steps should you take?

• Review existing policies and processes: What do your current processes look like?  What needs to change? Who is responsible for this?

• Update communications: The information provided to both those undertaking the checks and those being checked is likely to need changing to provide clarity and reduce the need for repeat checks.

• Training: Those undertaking the checks will need to be familiar with the new rules and how to make sure they do the right type of check.

• Centralisation: Analyse the potential to implement efficiencies and cost savings by centralising processes – can these be undertaken by a single back-office function?
In our experience, employers fall foul of the rules through a breakdown in processes or individual error, particularly where there has been a change in requirements.  By following the steps outlined above, your organisation will be well placed to avoid the financial and reputation challenges that can result from getting things wrong.