Ensure your workers are eligible to work in the UK
Introduction
A new immigration system applies to people arriving in the UK from 1 January 2021. EU citizens moving to the UK to work will need to get a visa in advance. Employers need a sponsor licence to hire most workers from outside the UK. See employing EU citizens in the UK.
Some people are automatically entitled to work in the UK. Others may have restrictions on how long they can stay, whether they can work or the type of work they can do.
All employers in the UK have a responsibility to prevent illegal migrant working. You must therefore check the entitlement of everyone you plan to employ to work in the UK.
You could face a civil penalty if you employ an illegal worker and have not carried out a correct right to work check. This guide outlines the penalties for employing illegal workers.
This guide will tell you how to comply with the laws on checking a job applicant's entitlement to work in the UK including keeping records of workers' documents and UK visa sponsorship requirements for employers.
- Home Office Employer Enquiries0300 123 5434