Right to work checks: what employers must do

How to check

• Online check using the employee's share code and date of birth via the Home Office service - the standard route for most workers.
• Manual check of original documents from the Home Office lists, in the person's presence, with a dated copy retained.

Timing and follow-ups

• The check must be completed before employment begins.
• For time-limited permission, diarise and repeat the check before it expires.
• Keep evidence for the duration of employment and two years after it ends.

Penalty

Civil penalties for employing someone without the right to work reach up to £45,000 per worker for a first breach and £60,000 for repeat breaches - a correct check is your statutory excuse.