Right to work checks are changing: what employers need to know

July 10, 2026 · WOWERI

From 1 October 2026, updates to right to work checks will come into force. Employers must prepare for the changes. Under section 15 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, employers are required to check the right to work of their employees.

Employers must prepare for the changes that will come into force on 1 October 2026.

Introduction

From 1 October 2026, updates to right to work checks will come into force for all businesses. These changes may substantially impact the processes and policies that employers and sponsors must implement to maintain compliance. Under section 15 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, employers are required to check the right to work of their employees. This includes checking documents that confirm the right to work, such as a passport or work permit.

What Employers Need to Know

Employers must prepare for the changes that will come into force on 1 October 2026. This includes:

• Updating policies and procedures for right to work checks
• Training staff responsible for right to work checks
• Checking documents that confirm the right to work for all employees

Conclusion

The updates to right to work checks, coming into force on 1 October 2026, require employers to prepare for the changes. Employers must update policies and procedures, train staff, and check documents that confirm the right to work for all employees.

Source: freemovement.org.uk