What Are ‘Right To Work’ Checks?
If you employ people to work in your business or you work in recruitment, then you have a legal obligation to make sure that the people you employ are legally allowed to work in the UK.
To do this, you need to check their documents and make sure that they are entitled to work in the UK and remain in employment over the long-term.
This is known as a “Right To Work” check. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what right to work checks involve and how to get everything you need to do one.
Employer responsibilities and penalties
As well as checking whether potential recruits are entitled to work in the country, you must also ensure that they are allowed to do the specific type of work that the role requires, for instance working in a regulated activity.
If you don’t carry out all the required checks, then you could face tough fines of up to £20,000 for each person found to be working illegally.
The latest guidance on right to work checks was released by the government on 6th April 2022. The guidance sets out which documents you need to check and how to check them.
Here are some of the checks that you may need to do as part of a right to work check:
- Basic, Standard & Enhanced DBS Checks
- Identity Checks
- Driver Check
- Visa Checks
DBS Check levels explained
DBS Checks are available in three different levels:
- Basic DBS Check – reveals any unspent convictions and conditional cautions on an individual’s criminal record
- Standard DBS Check – reveals any spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warning, and reprimands.
- Enhanced DBS Check – reveals the same details as a Standard DBS Check, as well as any additional relevant information stored on police records.
Basic DBS Checks can be applied for by the individual themselves, without any verification required from employers. Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks both require verification of ID documents and the application form by the employer or other DBS registered body.
Applying for DBS Checks online
Applying for a DBS Check has never been easier. These days it can be done online with ease. You can apply using our online portal and get the results within 48 hours and the certificate within two weeks.
Applying online is much quicker and more convenient. Our online application form makes it less likely that you will make a mistake that could slow down the process.
If you want to find out more about right to work checks or DBS Checks, our advisors are happy to help and answer any queries. Get in touch today.
