Right to Work Check (UK)

What is this?

A right to work review usually looks at the employee's identity documents or digital status record, the date and method of the check, and whether the employer kept the records needed to establish a statutory excuse. The focus is compliance with the checking regime rather than just whether the person holds permission in principle.

Relevant law often includes the immigration prevention-of-illegal-working framework and current Home Office right to work guidance for employers.

Key legal requirements

• the employer must use the correct checking method for the type of status relied on, such as manual, online, or identity service provider route where permitted
• identity and status records should be clear, complete, and retained in the format expected by the guidance
• the check date, employment start date, and any follow-up requirement should align with the permission evidenced
• names, dates of birth, and work restrictions should be reconciled across the employment and immigration records

Why this matters

A person may have permission to work, but the employer can still lose the statutory excuse if the check itself was not carried out and recorded correctly.

Next step with VetroCheck

Use the Right to work check agent if you want a structured review of the employee status evidence and employer-check record.

Compliance note

This glossary content is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute formal legal advice, does not create a solicitor-client relationship, and should be checked against current legislation, official guidance, and the facts of the specific case.