Further extensions to adjusted right to work measures

In my blog dated 27 August 2021, I wrote that the COVID-19 adjusted right to work check measures were being extended until 5 April 2022 inclusive.

The Government announced on 24 February 2022 that these measures will now end on 30 September 2022. 

As a reminder, the adjusted measures allowed for right to work checks to be carried out over video calls and for job applications and existing workers to send scanned/photocopy documents to employers, rather than sending the originals.

The Government has confirmed that employers will maintain a statutory defence against a civil penalty if the right to work check was carried out in line with the adjusted checks guidance and that no further retrospective checks will be required. You can access the guidance, here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-right-to-work-checks

In a more recent blog dated 11 January 2022, I wrote that from 6 April 2022, employers will be able to use government-certified identification technology to check British and Irish citizens’ right to work. The Government has said that the decision to extend the adjusted right to work check measures is intended to allow employers more time to make the necessary changes to their pre-employment checking processes and identify service providers so that they are able to utilise this technology effectively. There will be further updates in relation to this as and when it is published. 

If you require any more information on this topic please contact the employment team.