There has been a further delay to the return of in person right-to-work checks, which were due to resume on 21^st June.  The Home Office has now pushed this date back to 1^st September 2021.

The latest government guidance on right-to-work checks states that up to and including 31^st August 2021, employers must:

• ask the worker to submit a scanned copy or a photo of their original documents via email or using a mobile app.

• arrange a video call with the worker – ask them to hold up the original documents to the camera and check them against the digital copy of the documents record the date you made the check and mark it as “adjusted check undertaken on[insert date] due to COVID-19.

• if the worker has a current Biometric Residence Permit or Biometric Residence Card or has been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme or the points-based immigration system you can use the online right to work checking service while doing a video call – the applicant must give you permission to view their details.

There have been some calls to make digital checks permanent.  Following the coronavirus pandemic, many businesses are continuing to operate with a remote workforce on either a temporary or permanent basis and there is genuine concern on how physical checks will be undertaken in the future if, for example, they have closed their offices in favour of a remote working model.

For now though, from 1^st September 2021, employers will need to check applicant’s original documents in person.   For many, this may not be realistic option.

If you would like to discuss this topic in more detail or would like more information, contact Ramshaw HR today.