As of 1st July 2021, ID checking guidelines changed in the UK.
The main change included citizens providing evidence that they have lawful immigration status in the UK. In addition, the new right to work check process for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens came into force.
We have provided an overview of the changes below:
The way EEA citizens have to prove their right to work has changed
EEA/Swiss nationals with a digital status under the EUSS will have to provide evidence of this to their employer through the online checking service. Repeat right to work checks during their employment will depend on whether they have pre-settled or settled status.
Those with biometric documents and frontier worker permits may choose to use the online service. For those with a physical document, manual checks can still be used.
We give an overview of the EU Settlement Scheme here, which also looks at what employers must do to ensure their EEA/Swiss recruits have legal right to work from 1st July.
EEA passports, national ID cards removed from acceptable document list
These documents only confirmed the individual’s nationality or that they were exercising EEA Treaty Rights from 1st July 2021.
Other changes to acceptable document list
The change to acceptable documents (effective now) includes:
- Irish passport and passport card
- A document issued by the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man), which has been verified as valid by the Home Office Employer Checking Service
- Frontier worker permits, issued under regulation 8 of the Citizens’ Rights (Frontier Workers, EU Exit) Regulations 2020
Temporary adjustments to right to work checks during the COVID-19 pandemic
Temporary measures were brought in on 30th March 2020 to allow right to work checks to commence whilst maintaining social distance. At this time, the return of physical right to work checks has been postponed until 1st September 2021.
To date, there have been two delays to the return of physical right to work checks. It is recommended to bookmark this page, as we will be updating it with any changes that occur.
The importance of maintaining compliance
With these changes in mind, it is of the utmost important that you follow the guidelines in order to maintain compliance.
However, there is also the challenge of performing complaint right to work checks alongside other vital checks; including DBS checks, credit checks, sanctions, etc.
There is software available that can save time, money, and other resources; all whilst helping you maintain compliance. Employment Check Pro, contains 100s of functions which has helped our clients manage these processes (amongst other tasks).
Pro is designed to help companies with specific compliance or referencing background check requirements.
If you are interested in how Employment Check Pro can benefit your organisation, please complete the form below or visit /pro/ to learn more.
Further reading
You can view the full summary of changes here: Employer right to work checks supporting guidance
In addition, the following information will be useful:
The updated basic check ID checking guidelines from 1st July
The updated Basic DBS check ID guidelines
The updated ID guidelines for Standard and Enhanced DBS checks