Check a job applicant's eligibility to work in the UK

Key points

Before a new recruit begins work, the employer must check that they have the right to work in the UK.
There are two lists specifying documents that are acceptable as proof of an individual's eligibility to work in the UK. The employer must check and copy either one document, or two documents in a defined combination, from one of the two lists.
From 28 January 2019, as an alternative to checking the employee's documents in person, the employer may be able to use the Home Office online right to work checking service.
When carrying out such checks as part of the recruitment process, the employer must take steps to ensure that its action does not breach the race discrimination provisions of the Equality Act 2010, which make it unlawful to treat a job applicant less favourably on grounds of their nationality.