Right to Work Checks: what to expect

Information on the right to work check process and who needs to have their right to work checked.

What is a Right to Work (RTW)?

RTW checks are a Home Office and statutory requirement. Employers must undertake RTW checks to prevent illegal working. It is the hiring department's responsibility to check and copy RTW documents for any staff they intend to pay through the payroll. 

In addition, those with time-limited right to work in the UK (i.e. those who hold a ‘List B’ document such as a visa) must have a repeat check before their visa/document is due to expire.

Accepted documents

List A and List B documents are two lists of documents which can be accepted as proof of right to work. Whether an employee falls under List A or List B depends on their nationality and/or their current immigration status in the UK.

Please go to the Accepted Documents section for full details.

When a RTW check should be completed

RTW must be checked before a worker or employee does any work for the University. If the RTW is time-limited, it must be rechecked before it expires, to allow the person to continue working.

If candidates will be attending an interview, it is normal practice to check the RTW documents for all candidates in-person at interview. This prevents delays, as RTW should be checked before the employment contract is issued. If checks are being conducted remotely under the temporary COVID-19 measures, a separate online meeting should be arranged to check the RTW for the appointed candidate.

If a candidate requires sponsorship or is awaiting a valid right to work document, they must not start work until the visa is obtained and an RTW check is undertaken.

UoL recruiting managers can find information on how to carry out RTW checks on the Staff Immigration intranet pages.

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