During Covid the digital right to work checks were introduced as physical checks were unable to happen. This helped to keep the recruitment process moving and calls were made following the restrictions being lifted to keep this process in place. 

This week the first official approved supplier has been announce between the post office and YOTI app. The checks will be available online, in person at a post office or via their digital identity app. It can be used by British and Irish nationals who hold a passport. 

It’s great that alternative options are now opening up and this very much supports the changes we are seeing in the recruitment market following Covid. With many elements now being conducted virtually, online application submissions, zoom interviews and digital contracts being issued, this is definitely a step in the right direction.

So what are the new rules for right to work checks?

Firstly, as of 6^th April 2022 foreign nationals who hold a biometric residence card, biometric residence permit or frontier worker permit will no longer be checked manually, checks for these can only be conducted online. They should be asked to provide their date of birth and share code to allow you (the employer) to check their status using the Government’s online checking service. The service for these online checks will be FREE and as a result. If you conducted a manual check prior to 6^th April 2022 there will be no requirement to recheck any employee that falls into this category.

Secondly, from 1 October 2022, employers will be able to complete digital right-to-work checks for British and Irish citizens with valid passports, this is in place of adjusted right-to-work checks. Companies will need to choose an approved company to carry out the checks, there will be a cost involved for the company so it’s advisable to look around for the best deals and factor these costs into your recruitment budgets. 

Some manual checks will continue, mainly to cover those employees who do not need permission to work within the UK (British and Irish Nationals). 

So, whether you’ve been using temporary processes, adjusted processes or have reverted back to manual checks, now is the time to reconsider your options and see what work’s best for you within your business.