What is Right to Work Check?

A Right to Work check is the legal duty on every UK employer to verify, before employment begins, that a worker is permitted to work in the UK. Checks are done by examining original documents, via the Home Office online checking service, or through an Identity Service Provider (IDSP) for British and Irish citizens. A compliant check gives the employer a statutory excuse against a civil penalty of up to £60,000 per illegal worker.