COVID-19 United Kingdom

COVID-19: Right to work check requirements relaxed

31 Mar 20

UNITED KINGDOM

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has made temporary adjustments to ease requirements for right to work checks.

Key Points:

  • Right to work checks can now officially be completed over video calls.
  • Job applicants and current workers can send scans or photographs of documents for right to work checks using email or a mobile app, rather than sending originals.
  • Employers should use the Employer Checking Service for prospective or current employees who are unable to provide documents for the right to work check. If the employee has a right to work, the service will send the employer a Positive Verification Notice that will provide a statutory excuse valid for six months.
  • For employees/applicants with a current Biometric Residence Permit/Biometric Residence Card or EU Settlement Scheme status employers can use the online right to work checking service during a video call. Employees/applicants must give the employer permission to view their details.
  • Once the temporary measures are lifted, employers must conduct retroactive right to work checks for employees who either began working during the temporary measures or required a follow-up check within eight weeks of the COVID-19 measures ending. The government will make an announcement when this occurs.

Additional information: Employers carrying out virtual right to work checks must have employees send a scan or photograph of their original documents and then have them hold up the original documents to the camera during a video call. Employers can check the gov.uk website for more information on right to work checks and employer obligations during COVID-19 measures.

Analysis & Comments: The ability to carry out virtual right to work checks is good news for employers, as it will allow them to complete the process while adhering to social distancing and self-isolation requirements. Please contact your Deloitte representative should you have any questions. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

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