As Members will be aware, on 1 July 2021 the process for completing right to work checks changed.

With the exception of Irish citizens, from 1 July 2021 employers are no longer able to accept EU passports or ID cards as valid proof of right to work for new staff.

Instead, employers must conduct an online check for job applicants who hold digital proof of their immigration status in the UK (known as an eVisa). This applies to most EU citizens, including those with settled or pre-settled status, those with a Hong Kong BNO visa and some other nationalities who have moved to the UK more recently under the points-based immigration system.

A manual check can be completed for UK and Irish nationals who can use their passport, or other identity document, as proof of their right to work. Employers will also need to complete a manual check for individuals in the UK who cannot prove their immigration status online.

We would remind Members that you do not need to retrospectively check the status of any EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens you employed before 1 July 2021.

The Home Office has now developed a right to work check video which can be accessed HERE

This video guides you through the new right to work check process, including details of applicant information required for both types of check and links to further information.