GOV.UK Right to Work Checking Service is a web service for employers checking whether a job applicant is allowed to work in the UK. To run an online check, the employer needs the applicant's date of birth and right to work share code. The result shows which types of work the person may do and, if permission is time-limited, how long it lasts. The GOV.UK page links to the service to start a check. British and Irish citizens cannot get share codes, so employers must instead inspect physical documents or use an identity service provider offering Identity Document Validation Technology. The accompanying employer guidance covers initial checks, follow-up checks, and acceptable documents for manual checks. Employers must check again when time-limited permission is due to expire. For manual checks, they must record the date and keep document copies during employment and for two years after it ends, following data protection law. In specified cases, employers must ask the Home Office to check status and retain its Positive Verification Notice.
Who it is for
This service is for employers checking applicants before employment and following up on time-limited permission. Employers hiring British or Irish citizens need a document check or an identity service provider instead.
What is good
- Online check uses a share code and date of birth.
- Results show permitted work types and duration.
- Service is free to use.
- Employer guidance covers manual and follow-up checks.
What to know first
- British and Irish citizens cannot get share codes.
- Manual checks require record keeping.
- Time-limited permission requires a follow-up check.
Verdict
The service offers employers an online route to check applicants with share codes. Its guidance also sets out alternative checks and record-keeping requirements.
Get started with GOV.UK Right to Work Checking Service
- Open the GOV.UK right to work checking page.
- For an online check, obtain the applicant’s date of birth and share code.
- Follow the page link to start the online check.
- If the applicant cannot provide a share code, check physical documents or use an identity service provider.
What the free plan stops at
British and Irish citizens cannot use the share code route. Employees with time-limited permission need a follow-up check when that permission is due to expire.
Questions about GOV.UK Right to Work Checking Service
How much does the service cost?
The listed plan is 0.00 USD per free, and the service has a free plan.
What details are needed for an online check?
The employer needs the applicant’s date of birth and right to work share code.
Can employers check British and Irish citizens online with a share code?
No. They cannot get a share code, so employers must check physical documents or use an identity service provider offering Identity Document Validation Technology.
What does the result show?
It shows the types of work the applicant may do and, if permission is time-limited, how long they can work in the UK.
What must employers retain after a manual check?
They must record the check date and keep document copies during employment and for two years after the person stops working, following data protection law.
When is a Home Office check needed?
In specified circumstances where an applicant cannot show documents or online immigration status, the employer must ask the Home Office to check. The employer must keep the resulting Positive Verification Notice.
GOV.UK Right to Work Checking Service plans and pricing
All plansCompared on right to work verification software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Verification method
- share code
- Document capture
- No
