Right to Work Checks
Right to Work Checks:
What Employers Must Do
Getting RTW checks wrong is one of the most common causes of Appendix D failures during UKVI visits. Roman ensures your procedures are compliant and your records are audit-ready.
Speak to RomanThe rules every employer must follow
Every sponsored worker
You must carry out a right to work check on any worker you sponsor or employ, including sponsored workers who are not directly employed by you. No sponsored worker should exist without a right to work record.
Before start date
A Right to Work check must be completed and the document inspected in person (or via share code) BEFORE the worker's first day. No exceptions.
Share code checks
For digital status holders, use the Home Office online service with their share code. A share code is 9 characters, starts with a W and is valid for 90 days. Print or save the result - this is your statutory excuse.
Expired BRPs not accepted
Expired Biometric Residence Permits are not acceptable for a manual check. Digital status holders must be checked online via their share code, not from an old BRP card.
Repeat checks required
When a sponsored worker extends their visa, you MUST repeat the RTW check. Failing to do so is the single most common Appendix D failure.
Storage requirements
Store all RTW records in a format you can produce within 2 working days of a UKVI request. Physical or digital - both are acceptable.
What documents are acceptable
For sponsored workers: share code from the Home Office online service. British/Irish nationals: passport, birth certificate + NI, or share code.
Illegal working penalties
A negligent illegal working penalty is up to £60,000 per worker. A knowingly employed illegal worker carries unlimited fines and up to 5 years imprisonment.
Want Roman to audit your RTW records?
Roman can review all your Right to Work files and identify any gaps before UKVI does - included in the Mock Home Office Audit.