Right to work checks: New code of practice coming into force 13 February
The Home Office have issued a new Code of Practice that is coming into force on 13 February on Right to Work checks. Employers need to follow this guidance or face financial penalties, so please familiarise yourselves with the Code.
The Code explains how to correctly undertake right to work checks through manual document checking, through Identity Service Providers and via the Home Office online.
You can find the Code of Practice here:
This is the sixth version of the Code. Key changes from previous versions include:
- Some individuals with an outstanding, in-time application for permission to stay in the UK, or an appeal, or administrative review (3C leave) can prove their right to work using the Home Office online checking service.
- Changes to an overview of how the civil penalty is administered to simplify and streamline the code.
- Changes to determining liability and calculating the penalty amount, including the increase to the maximum civil penalty for non-compliance. The civil penalty for employers will increase to a maximum £45,000 per illegal worker for a first breach of the Scheme up from £15,000, and a maximum £60,000 per illegal worker for repeat breaches up from £20,000
