Right To Work Checks & DBS Changes

The UK Government has introduced significant updates to Right to Work (RTW) checks this year, as part of its ongoing Immigration Strategy. These changes are designed to enhance compliance and align with the UK’s shift towards a fully digital immigration system.

Penalties for employing individuals without valid RTW status have increased substantially, rising to £60,000 per illegal worker. In response, we’ve reinforced these responsibilities with our Managers and outlined the legal obligations for all employees in this month’s Employee News@Glen.

Key Updates to Right to Work Checks 

Mandatory Digital Checks for Most Visa Holders

Employers are now required to carry out digital Right to Work (RTW) checks for all new hires and repeat checks involving individuals who hold:

• eVisas

• Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs)

• Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs)

• Frontier Worker Permits

• EU Settlement Scheme status
  

These individuals must provide a share code, which is valid for 90 days, allowing employers to verify their RTW status via the official GOV.UK RTW portal.

These checks are a legal requirement and must be completed before employment begins or before an existing RTW document expires.

Updated Manual Check Procedures

For British and Irish citizens, manual Right to Work checks are still allowed. However, the list of acceptable documents has recently been updated:

• Clipped or cancelled passports are no longer acceptable as valid proof of identity.

• Birth certificates (either short or long-form) must now be accompanied by official proof of National Insurance (NI) number, such as a payslip, P45, or HMRC letter.

Employers must ensure all manual checks are conducted in line with the revised guidance to remain compliant and avoid penalties.

DBS Identity Checking

Updates Effective from 22 April 2025

From 22 April 2025, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has introduced significant updates to its identity (ID) checking guidelines.

These changes apply to Basic, Standard, and Enhanced DBS checks and are designed to streamline the verification process—making it simpler, more consistent, and more secure for both applicants and employers.

Introduction of Refreshed Manual ID Guidance

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has introduced new manual ID guidance to simplify and strengthen the identity verification process.

The previous ID checking guidelines will remain valid until 1 November 2025, giving organisations time to transition to the new standards. The updated guidance also promotes the use of digital identity verification, aligning with the UK Government’s broader digital transformation strategy.

At Glen, we are currently reviewing the new guidance in detail to assess its impact on our processes. We will update our internal procedures accordingly and ensure a full transition ahead of the November deadline.

We have also written to all employees to remind them that they are contractually required to inform Glen of any changes to their Right to Work or DBS status. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action and carries significant legal penalties.