Essential Updates for UK Employers on Right-to-Work Checks Before 2029

If you are a sponsor licensed employer in the UK, this update is crucial for you. Current rules require you to perform a Right-to-Work (RTW) check before hiring any employee. Failing to do so can lead to a civil penalty of up to £60,000 per illegal worker if someone is found working illegally. The government has announced that by the end of this Parliament, expected in 2029, RTW checks will become mandatory through digital ID verification. This change aims to eliminate illegal working in the UK.

Until then, employers can use one of three methods for RTW checks: manual document checks, digital checks via IDSP/IDVT, or the Home Office online check. It is essential to update your onboarding policies, train your team on digital rules, maintain strong compliance, and conduct internal audits before these new government rules come into effect.

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Current Right-to-Work Check Requirements

Under UK law, every employer must check that a person has the legal right to work before employing them. This includes British citizens, EU nationals, and non-EU nationals. The check involves verifying original documents such as passports, biometric residence permits, or national identity cards.

If an employer fails to carry out these checks properly, they risk a civil penalty of up to £60,000 for each illegal worker. This penalty applies even if the employer did not knowingly hire someone illegally. Therefore, it is a legal duty to perform thorough RTW checks before employment begins.

Three Ways to Conduct RTW Checks Today

1. Manual Document Checks

   Employers physically inspect original documents and keep copies. This method requires careful attention to detail and record-keeping.

   
   

2. Digital Checks via IDSP/IDVT

   The Identity Service Provider (IDSP) or Identity Verification Technology (IDVT) allows employers to verify documents digitally. This method speeds up the process and reduces errors.

   
   

3. Home Office Online Check

   Employers can use the Home Office online service to check a worker’s right to work status. This is especially useful for non-UK nationals with a share code.

   
   

Upcoming Changes to Right-to-Work Checks by 2029

The UK government plans to make digital ID verification mandatory for RTW checks by the end of this Parliament, expected in 2029. This means employers will no longer be able to rely solely on manual document checks or the current online system.

What This Means for Employers

• Digital ID verification will be required

Employers must use government-approved digital ID systems to confirm an employee’s right to work.

• Elimination of illegal working

The digital system aims to reduce fraud and prevent illegal workers from gaining employment.

• Stricter compliance expectations

Employers will need to ensure their processes and systems are ready for this change well before 2029.

Preparing Your Business for the Digital Right-to-Work Checks

To avoid penalties and ensure smooth hiring processes, employers should start preparing now. Here are practical steps to take:

Update Onboarding Policies

Review and revise your hiring policies to include digital ID checks. Make sure your HR team understands the new requirements and procedures.

Train Your Team on Digital Rules

Provide training sessions for HR and recruitment staff on how to use digital ID verification tools. This will reduce errors and improve compliance.

Conduct Internal Audits

Regularly audit your current RTW checks to identify gaps or weaknesses. Fix these issues before the digital system becomes mandatory.

Use Trusted Digital ID Providers

Research and select government-approved digital ID providers. Test their systems to ensure they integrate well with your hiring process.

Real-World Example: Avoiding Compliance Disasters

One UK business we worked with had been relying solely on manual document checks. When we helped them implement digital ID verification early, they found several discrepancies in employee documents that manual checks missed. This early detection saved them from potential penalties and reputational damage.

This example shows the value of preparing ahead and adopting digital verification methods before the government mandates them.

Final Thoughts

The shift to mandatory digital Right-to-Work checks by 2029 will change how UK employers verify employee eligibility. Starting now to update your policies, train your team, and strengthen compliance will protect your business from costly penalties and hiring risks. If you want expert help navigating these changes, book consultation with us.

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