'Right to work ' checks come into force today

New 'right to work ' checks for workers from the European Economic Area and Switzerland come into force from today.

EEA and Swiss citizens were previously able to use their passport or national identity card as evidence of their right to work in the UK.

However, they will now need to provide evidence of their lawful immigration status in the UK through the online right to work checking service.

EEA and Swiss citizens can prove their immigration status to employers by obtaining a (right to work) share code via their UK Visas and Immigration Account.

This will enable employers to check their right to work in the UK through the online service here.

Businesses who employed EU, EEA and Swiss nationals prior to today will not be required to carry out checks retrospectively.

Daniel Clarke (pictured), policy manager at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The new right to work checks come into effect following yesterday 's deadline for applications to the EU Settlement Scheme.

“With the six-month grace period now at an end, EEA citizens are required to prove their right to work in the UK in the same way as all other foreign nationals.

“The government has released updated guidance for employers on carrying out right to work checks and I would encourage firms to take a look as it covers important issues such as what to do if your employees have not applied to the EU Settlement Scheme by the 30 June.

“Business can also contact the Home Office 's helpline for further support and Chamber members can access our free legal and HR helpline. ”

Click here to access government guidance on carrying out right to work checks.

Contact the Home Office helpline on: 0300 790 6268

Chamber members can contact their relationship manager for details on how to access the legal and HR helpline.