Your Right to Work: What It Means and Why It Matters
If you’re seeking employment in the UK, understanding your Right to Work is essential – and at The Best Connection, we’re here to guide you through the process.
As an employer, we are legally required to verify that all workers have the correct authorisation to work in the UK. This process, known as a Right to Work check, is a key step before starting any job.
What Is Right to Work?
The ‘right to work’ refers to your legal entitlement to work in the UK. This status depends on your nationality and immigration status.
- British and Irish Citizens: You automatically have the right to work in the UK.
- EU, EEA, and Swiss Citizens: If you arrived in the UK before 31 December 2020, you should have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme. Successful applicants receive either settled or pre-settled status, granting the right to work. For those arriving after this date, a visa under the UK’s points-based immigration system is typically required.
Non-UK Nationals: You must have valid immigration status that permits work, such as a Skilled Worker visa, Graduate visa, or other relevant permissions.
How to Prove Your Right to Work
Depending on your status, you can prove your right to work in several ways:
- British or Irish Citizens: Provide a valid passport (current or expired) or, in some cases, a birth certificate accompanied by official documentation or certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British citizen.
- EU, EEA, and Swiss Citizens: Use the UK Government online service to generate a share code, which you provide to your employer along with your date of birth.
- Non-UK Nationals: Present your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), visa, or use the UK Government online service to generate a share code.
Visit the official UK Government website to generate your share code:
https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work/get-a-share-code-online
Employers will use these documents or share codes to verify your status before your employment begins.
