Right to work manual checks are used to prove a person's right to work in person by providing a physical copy of their right to work documents. This type of control is used when inline control cannot be performed, and requires obtaining the original documents from List A or List B of acceptable documents. Online checks, on the other hand, can be performed via video call and do not require viewing physical documents, as the information is accessed directly from the Ministry of the Interior. In order to perform an online verification of the right to work, the worker must provide their date of birth and a participation code to the employer.
The employer then enters the person's details in the “verifier” section of the Ministry of the Interior's right to work website. Holders of biometric green cards (BRC), biometric residence permits (BRP) and border worker permits (FWP) can also demonstrate their right to work only through this online service. Digital or online checks require the employer to verify the relevant document or information online and keep a record of the check. If an online check and a shared code are used, the employer must see the new employee face to face on the first day to confirm that the person on the online check is the person attending work.
The Ministry of the Interior will not be able to check the right to work online under any circumstances, as not all people will have an immigration status that can be verified online. Face-to-face manual controls on the right to work are no longer sufficient to establish a legal defense against civil sanction in relation to these people. It is important for employers to understand both manual and online right to work checks in order to ensure they are compliant with current regulations.
