Overhaul of right to work (RTW) checks will broaden the net to contractors, and agency and casual workers with stiff penalties for non-compliance, explains Stacie Cheadle, technical writer at Croner
For those starting on or after 1 October 2026, right to work (RTW) compliance will tighten and the net of who must be checked will widen. Employers should act now to update policies, contracts, and workflows.
Employers are legally required to ensure individuals working for their business have the right to work in the UK. Failure to do so can result in civil penalties of up to £45,000 per illegal worker, or £60,000 for repeat breaches and criminal charges in serious cases. Any breach risks reputational damage, disruption to operations, and the loss or downgrading of sponsor licences.
It is worth noting that employers can establish a ‘statutory excuse’ against civil liability by conducting prescribed checks before employment starts.
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