Adjusted right to work checks extended once again

Following positive feedback about the ability to conduct right to work checks remotely, the end date for the adjusted checks has been extended to 5 April 2022.

The adjustments were due to end on 31 August 2021, but the latest extension means that the following adjustments will remain in place:

• Right to work checks may continue to be carried out via video calls
• Instead of sending in original documents, workers and applicants may send in scanned documents or a photo of the documents using email or a mobile app
• Employers should continue to use the Home Office Employer Checking Service where the applicant or worker cannot provide the documents

Employers must continue to carry out right to work check, and it remains an offence to knowingly employ an individual who does not have the right to work in the UK.

There will be no requirement to carry out retrospective checks on individuals who have the adjusted right to work checks between 30 March 2020 – 5 April 2022.

This is the third such extension to the right to work check adjustments, and the Government has indicated they are looking into how best to support digital right to work checks in future, including the use of specialist technology.

 In doing so, they hope to allow checks to be conducted remotely in the future but with an added level of security.

New guidance will be issued of the end of the adjustments. If you have any questions about immigration compliance, our Immigration team are happy to assist.