What step must an employer take?

What steps must an employer take to ensure that a job applicant has the right to work in the UK?

Before allowing a job applicant to start work, the employer must carry out a right to work check. Employers have the option of using a digital identification verification service when carrying out checks for British and Irish citizens, based on a valid passport (or Irish passport card). To do this, the employer must use a certified Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT) provider.

Alternatively, the employer should request the applicant produce original documentary evidence indicating they have the right to work in the UK, check the documentation relates to the applicant and keep a copy for the duration of the person's employment and for two years after the termination of employment.

The Home Office produces lists of acceptable documents for the purposes of checking an individual's right to work in the UK. In some circumstances, the employer must use the Home Office online right to work service to confirm the applicant's right to do the work in question. The employer will be able to conduct an online check only where the applicant has:

• a biometric residence permit number;

• a biometric residence card number;

• status under the EU settlement scheme;

• an eVisa; or

• a frontier worker permit.