The following temporary changes were made on 30 March 2020 and remain in place until 5 April 2022 (inclusive):
- Right to work checks can currently be carried out over video calls
- Job applicants and existing workers can send scanned documents or a photo of documents for checks using email or a mobile app, rather than sending originals
- Employers should use the Home Office Employer Checking Service if a prospective or existing employee cannot provide any of the accepted documents
Checks continue to be necessary and you must continue to check the prescribed documents set out in right to work checks: an employer’s guide or use the Home Office right to work online service. It remains an offence to knowingly employ anyone who does not have the right to work in the UK and employers may be subject to a fine.
How to check an individual’s right to work using the temporary COVID-19 adjusted check measures
Up to and including 5 April 2022.
Step 1 – ask the worker to submit a scanned copy or a photo of their original documents via email or using a mobile app
Step 2 – arrange a video call with the worker – ask them to hold up the original documents to the camera and check them against the digital copy of the documents, record the date you made the check and mark it as “adjusted check undertaken on [insert date] due to COVID-19”
Step 3 – If the worker has a current Biometric Residence Permit or Biometric Residence Card or has been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme or the points-based immigration system you can use the online right to work checking service while doing a video call – the applicant must give you permission to view their details.
If you have any queries regarding the adjusted right to work checks please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of the team on 0333 2005153 or complete our online form here.
