The UK Government have today announced that the temporary Right to Work checks for employers has been extended until April 2022.
Since the national lockdown in March 2020, employers have been able to carry out right to work checks remotely, without having to see any hard copies of documents. The initial checking process meant that job applicants or existing workers were required to send their original documents. This inevitably proved to be challenging when stay at home restrictions were in place and adhering to social distancing rules.
Under the still temporary checks, this can be carried out over video calls, or by sending scanned copies. As an employer, you should ask the worker to submit a scanned copy/photo of their original document. You should then arrange a video call with the worker, asking them to hold up the document to the camera. You will need to check this against the digital copy you received. Record the date you made the check and mark it as “adjusted check undertaken on [xxx] due to COVID-19”. You can also use the online right to work checking service while doing a video call, but the applicant must give permission for you to view their details. This may be required if the worker has a current Biometric Residence Permit or Biometric Residence Card. Alternatively, this may be required if they have been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
The government stated that the decision to extend the scheme follows positive feedback they’ve received about remote checks. They are currently reviewing specialist technology and intending to introduce a digital solution that will allow these checks to be carried out remotely in future. Deferring the date allows employers to continue to work as efficiently as possible, while the government look at implementing a long-term, post-pandemic solution.
Checks are still a requirement by law and employers should ensure they are reviewing any supplied documents. It is an offence to fail to carry out these checks, or knowingly employ anyone who does not have the right to work in the UK.
At ePayMe we recognise that this is great news for our agencies and clients. We are however on hand to help with any queries you may have. Do contact us on 01252 863700 or info@epayme.co.uk.
Source: Gov.uk