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Importance of RTW

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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: 

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.  
  3. 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. 

Why It Matters 

Employers must carry out Right to Work checks to remain compliant with UK law. Failure to do so may result in legal penalties. For you, the job seeker, having the correct documentation in place ensures a smoother hiring process and helps prevent any delays in starting work. 

Also, if your permission to work in the UK is time-limited, follow-up checks are required before it expires. It’s your responsibility to maintain valid immigration status to remain eligible for work. 

Additionally, Right to Work checks must be completed for all employees, regardless of nationality, to ensure fair hiring practices and prevent discrimination. 

Need Support? 

If you’re unsure about your Right to Work status or the documents you need to provide, please refer to the official guidance from the UK Government: https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work 

Ensuring your right to work is in order is a vital step in your employment journey. 

Looking for Work in the UK? 

If you have valid Right to Work and are ready to take the next step in your employment journey, we’re here to help. 

About The Best Connection 

The Best Connection is one of the UK’s leading providers of temporary workforce solutions. For over three decades we have proudly served and supported our clients and candidates across multiple industry sectors, delivering our best-in-class customer service. To find out more please visit our website: https://thebestconnection.co.uk.