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  • The CBI welcomes further extension for digital Right to Work checks

The CBI welcomes further extension for digital Right to Work checks

The government has pushed back COVID-19 temporary adjustments to the right to work scheme to 30 September 2022.

18 Mar 2022, 2 min read

On 22 February the Home Office announced that the end date for the temporary adjusted checks has been further extended to 30 September 2022 to allow employers to transition in using the new Identity Document Validation Technologies (IDVT).

The new legislation to enable employers to use digital technology to carry out Right to Work checks was announced by the Home Office on 27 December 2021 and is due to come into force on 6 April 2022.

The CBI is supportive of digital right to work checks as members have cited several reasons why it is a benefit to business, outlined in our policy paper that was submitted to government. Employers said conducting Right to Work checks digitally makes the recruitment and hiring process quicker and more efficient, frees up HR capacity that can be invested in other business growth areas, and opens up talent pools that were previously more difficult to tap in to.

What can businesses do now?

COVID-19 temporary digital checks

Businesses can also continue to use the temporary adjusted Right to Work checks that were put in place as a response to COVID-19. This option will remain available until 30 September 2022.

In-person checks

Businesses can still conduct Right to work checks in person if they wish to do so. This option will always be available.

New Identity Document Validation Technology (IDVT) system

From 6 April 2022, when the new legislation enters into force, employers will be able to use Identity Document Service Providers (IDSPs) as part of their Right to Work checks.

What are the next steps?

The CBI will continue working with other business organisations in calling on the Home Office to publish guidance ahead of the end of the temporary adjustment period. This is to ensure employers are well-equipped in their understanding of how to use the new system and develop commercial relationships with private identity service providers.

For more information, please read COVID-19 Right to Work checks for updated official guidance and advice, or contact Yusuf Ali-Hassan.