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Covid Right To Work Checks – A Post Brexit Summary
With the closure of the EU settlement scheme, employers of EU staff members will now have to perform right to work checks to ensure that their EU workers have acquired the right to work in the UK whether through application to the settlement scheme or otherwise.
With Covid, however, many employees or prospective employees may be self-isolating, working from home, or otherwise unable to come into the office to perform an in person right to work checks.
In addition to the existing right to work check, which is available here, there are also a number of Covid concessions in place to allow employers to continue to remain compliant throughout the pandemic. The full document is available here but please see below for a summary.
These concessions are valid until 31/08/2021 at the time of writing (15/07/2021).
Alternative Ways to Check Applicants’ Documents
- Checks can be carried out via video call with the applicant. They should hold their original documents up to the camera so you can check the details against the digital copies they have sent you. In the event that the worker has a Biometric Residence Permit or Card or has status under the EU settlement scheme, you may use the online right to work checking service while on the video call. The applicant will need to provide their consent for you to view this information.
- Applicants may send scans or photographs of their documents via email or a mobile app instead of providing the originals.
- Employers should use the Employer Checking Service to check the right to work of any applicant or employee who cannot provide suitable documentation.
From September 1st 2021 these temporary adjustments will end, and you will need to see applicants’ original documents or check their right to work online, as was the case before the pandemic. There is no need to re-do these checks on individuals who had their right to work check carried out under the temporary concessions.
If you require help with a UK work visa, or a sponsor license application we can help. Call us on 01403 801 801 or email us at [email protected] to talk to one of our friendly experts.