Virtual right to work checks permanent from April 2022

On 27 August 2021, I provided an update for our blog which informed that the changes to right to work checks (i.e. allowing checks to be carried out over video calls and allowing applicants to send scanned documents/photos rather than originals) put in place during the pandemic were being extended. I ended that blog by speculating whether virtual right to work checks would become commonplace, as they had been so well received.

It seems the Government was listening as the adjusted measures are now being extended indefinitely. This move will be welcomed by employers who have benefited from being able to carry checks more efficiently which reduces the time it takes to get candidates into work, whilst also maintaining a level of safety.

In addition, from 6 April 2022, employers will be able to use government-certified identification technology to check British and Irish citizens’ right to work. More information about this will be released this month (January) and we will publish an update as soon as we can. There will be a cost to use this service which will have to be met by the employer.

In the meantime, checks should be carried out in line with the current guidance, published here: Right to work checks: an employer's guide - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and further information about the adjusted measures which will continue to apply can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-right-to-work-checks

If you have any questions about the adjusted right to work check measures, or would like more information about the situation post 6 April 2022, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Employment team.