Right To Work Checks
It’s illegal for an employer to hire someone if they do not have the Right to Work in the UK
Accredited, regulated & certified
Who needs a UK Right To Work check?
All employees need a Right to Work check, before they start their first day of work.
Under the prevention of illegal working legislation, it is unlawful for an employer to hire someone if they do not have the Right to Work in the UK or if they are breaching the terms of their stay by continuing to work in the UK without an eVisa.
Right to work checks are essential in helping companies ensure they do not unlawfully employ individuals who lack permission to work in the country. These checks include verifying if a person is a permanent national, such as a British or Irish citizen and identifying valid work visa for migrant workers.
The penalties can be severe.
The Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 stipulates that employers are legally obligated to verify the immigration status of all employees before they start work.
The penalties for employing someone who does not have the right to work increased in February 2024: civil fines for non-compliance can be up to £45,000 per illegal worker for first time offence, and up to £60,000 per illegal worker for repeat offences.
On top of fines, employers can face reputational damage, loss of sponsor licence, and even criminal prosecution for repeated offences.
Establishing a statutory excuse can safeguard your company from civil fines if an illegal worker is found on your payroll.
What’s included with our Right To Work check
We ensure you’re supported at every stage, from seamless onboarding, applicant management, through to audit preparation.
Reports & Certificates
- Applicant Submission Report
- Final Report & Supporting Documents
Management Platform
- Track screening progress & history
- View and download audit-ready reports
- Get instant updates & notifications
Checks included
- Digital Identity Verification
- Document Verification
- Address Verification
- See optional checks you can add
More than a screening provider, we are a trusted partner to thousands of organisations
“You’re not just buying a screening service, you’re partnering with experts who understand screening inside and out.”
We know the risks, regulations, and real-world challenges you face. That’s why we deliver not only compliant employment screening, but also practical support, fast turnaround, and clear communication every step.
- 20 years of experience in screening
- Fully regulated, professionally certified & nationally accredited
- Specialists in screening for high-risk roles
- No setup, onboarding or platform fees
- Dedicated account handler
- NSA Partners Programme
- Digital Identity as standard
Frequently asked questions
What are the penalties for employing someone who does not have RTW?
The penalties for employing someone who does not have the right to work increased in February 2024 and and civil fines for non-compliance can be up to £45,000 per illegal worker for first time offence and up to £60,000 per illegal worker for repeat offence. On top of fines, employers can face reputational damage, loss of sponsor licence, and even criminal prosecution for repeated breaches.
How can an employer protect themselves?
Establishing a statutory excuse can safeguard your company from civil penalty if an illegal worker is found on your payroll.
In order to establish a statutory excuse a right to work check must have been undertaken using either a digital Right To Work Check or a Manual Right To Work Check.
At National Screening Agency we partner with OneID a certified IDSP to provide Digital Identity Verification, and the data we capture through our audit trail and final report will provide your statutory excuse.
How can you undertake a RTW check of British & Irish citizens?
1. A digital Right To Work check
A digital check using Identity Document Validation Technology (IDVT) via a certified Identity Service Provider (IDSP).
Let us take care of this for you with automated document verification and a comprehensive audit trail
2. Manual Right To Work check
A manual check of the candidates documents where you must ensure you obtain, verify, and securely copy original documents and compare the documents with the candidates likeness in person. The onus here is heavily on you, the employer, to ensure compliance and maintain your own audit trail and documentation.
How can you undertake a RTW check for foreign nationals?
For foreign nationals, a Right To Work check needs to be made online through the Home Office’s digital right to work service for non-British/Irish nationals.
This is done by the the applicant providing the employer with a share code to access the Home Office’s service.
Partner testimonials
"NSA have always been so helpful with any questions regarding DBS applications and staff always go above and beyond to assist. The system is easy to use and I would highly recommend their services."
Annabel Baker
Frewen College
"Switching to NSA was the best move we’ve made for our screening process. The team goes above and beyond to support every screening need. For BS7858-compliant screening, we couldn’t recommend a better partner."
Zoe Kelly
ABCA Fire & Security
"I wanted to pass on my thanks to your team, in particular Ross.
I have needed quite a bit of help recently – recruitment has been so busy, which is a nice problem to have! Ross has been so calm and helpful, and I wanted to make sure management know how much I appreciate his help."
Kim Stockdale
RDS Fire & Security Systems
To work with NSA is a pleasure, they are always helpful, kind and sensible. I always had just good experiences when I contacted them. They are 10 out of 10.
Monika Csomai
Nashe-UK Limited
"I have found the NSA Security Screening Portal easy for me and the applicants to use. When there have been queries the team at the NSA Group are knowledgeable, helpful and easy to contact. I would recommend it to any organisation."
Vanessa Jones
Alloyed