All employers are expected to comply with the law and ensure that prospective and current employees have the right to work in the UK by carrying out the correct checks.
An employer of an illegal worker who has not carried out the correct checks faces a penalty of up to £20,000.
It is a criminal offence to employ someone who the employer knows or has reasonable cause to believe is an illegal worker – employers can face an unlimited fine, and up to five years in prison.
Prospective Candidates, Staff and Casual Workers
A Right to Work Check must be completed for all candidates and casual workers before they commence employment or casual work with the University. This applies to all candidates of all nationalities, including British nationals.
A Right to Work Checklist must be completed on all prospective staff and casual workers. HR will not be able to issue a contract of employment or casual work assignment until a Right to Work Checklist and appropriate documents have been verified.
Current Employees
Right to Work checks should be carried out for all employees who hold a time limited right to work visa. Employees must provide HR with their original identify documents when requested, as well as when visas have changed or been renewed.
What documents need to be seen and checked?
The Right to Work Checklist lists all acceptable documents. It is essential that all relevant pages of the original documentation are copied and verified. Photocopies presented by a candidate must not be accepted.