By Elvijs Izaks, Sales Director (EMEA) at First Advantage
In today’s globalized world, businesses in the UK strive to hire the best talent from all corners of the world. However, with the diverse workforce comes the responsibility to ensure that every employee has the legal right to work in the country. The Immigration Act 2016 mandates UK employers to conduct right to work checks before employing anyone. This crucial process not only ensures compliance with the law but also safeguards businesses from potential civil penalties.
When compliance is an issue, it’s understandable to have questions. If you’re looking for answers, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what you should know about right to work checks, the consequences of non-compliance, and the benefits of adopting a digital-first approach with First Advantage’s cutting-edge services.
Why is the right to work important in the UK?
The right to work in the UK is fundamental not only for individuals seeking employment opportunities but also for businesses aiming to maintain legal and ethical standards. Conducting right to work checks is a crucial step in verifying an individual’s eligibility to work in the country, confirming their citizenship status, work visa conditions, and any restrictions. By ensuring that only eligible candidates are employed, businesses promote fair hiring practices and create a trustworthy work environment.
What happens if you don’t do a right to work check?
Failure to conduct proper right to work checks can lead to serious consequences for employers. If an individual is employed without the legal right to work in the UK, the employer may face civil penalties and reputational damage. The penalties can be severe, and organizations, regardless of their size, can be held liable for employing individuals without proper authorization. To avoid such risks, businesses must implement a secure, reliable, and accessible process to verify each applicant’s right to work.
Why do I have to prove my right to work in the UK?
Proving your right to work in the UK is essential for both employees and employers. For employees, it provides them with the opportunity to secure legitimate employment and contribute to the UK’s economy. For employers, it ensures they are compliant with the law and helps build a workforce that is authorized to work. Verifying the right to work not only establishes a legal framework but also fosters trust and transparency within the organization.
Is it a legal requirement to carry out right to work checks?
Yes, conducting right to work checks is a legal requirement for UK employers. The Immigration Act 2016 mandates that employers must check and verify an individual’s right to work before employing them. This includes checking and retaining relevant documents and records that confirm the individual’s eligibility to work in the UK. Businesses that fail to meet this legal requirement may face penalties and potential legal consequences.
Enter First Advantage’s Digital Right to Work Check Services
As organizations strive for more efficient and reliable ways to comply with the right to work regulations, First Advantage’s digital Right to Work services are a gamechanger. Easy-to-use digital ID service allows employers to verify applicants’ identities digitally, streamlining the entire hiring and onboarding process. The service allows hiring managers and applicants to capture documents, take selfies, and read biometric chip data, ensuring a comprehensive and secure verification process.
Benefits of First Advantage’s Digital Right to Work Services
- Real-time Results: Employers receive the right to work check results in near real-time, allowing for swift and informed hiring decisions.
- Compliance and Audit Trail: First Advantage provides an audit trail, including document images and data, confirming an applicant’s right to work in the UK, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Streamlined Process: By leveraging technology, businesses can reduce manual intervention, save time, and cut costs, all while providing applicants and hiring managers with a seamless and efficient experience.
Conducting right to work checks is an essential responsibility for businesses in the UK. Adhering to the Immigration Act 2016 not only ensures compliance with the law but also builds a strong foundation of trust and transparency within the organization. Failure to carry out these checks can result in severe consequences, making it imperative for businesses to adopt efficient and reliable verification methods.
With First Advantage’s digital Right to Work services, organizations can streamline their hiring processes, minimize risk, and confidently verify applicants’ identities. By embracing technology, businesses can navigate the complexities of right to work checks and create a workforce that is authorized to work, contributing to a thriving and legally compliant work environment.
Disclaimer: The information included in this blog is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. The material should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The content is intended for general information purposes only, and you are urged to consult a lawyer concerning your own situation and any specific legal questions you may have.
