This update replaces previous guidance issued on 18th June 2021.
The temporary COVID-19 adjusted right to work checks will now end on 5th April 2022, and from 6th April 2022 employers will revert to face to face and physical document checks as set out in legislation and guidance.
This is aligned with the easing of lockdown restrictions and social distancing measures, as set out in the government’s roadmap for England and those of the devolved administrations.
For further information please click on the following link to the UK Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): right to work checks
In summary you must either:
- check the applicant’s original documents, or
- check the applicant’s right to work online, if they have given you their share code
Retrospective checks
- You do not need to carry out retrospective checks on those who had a COVID-19 adjusted check between 30 March 2020 and 5th AApril 2022 (inclusive).
- This reflects the length of time the adjusted checks have been in place and supports business during this difficult time.
- You will maintain a defence against a civil penalty if the check you have undertaken during this period was done in the prescribed manner or as set out in the COVID-19 adjusted checks guidance as set out in the COVID-19 adjusted checks on gov.uk at
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-right-to-work-checks
Reminder – when conducting a right to work check during the temporary COVID-19:
- Ask the worker to submit a scanned copy or a photo of their original documents electronically
- 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”
All employers retain responsibility of right to work checks in the UK and this cannot be outsourced to any third parties and incurs a hefty fine from the government if not carried out correctly.
As a screening company we support our clients by providing Document Algorithm Validation which complements your internal right to work checks by validating the MRZ codes on the passport, BRP and identity cards to ensure the documents are genuine.
If you would like to know more information about our Identity Checks please give us a call on 0203 1500 775.
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