The government has confirmed that the temporary COVID-19 adjusted right to work check process will come to an end on 20 June 2021.
During the pandemic, organisations have been able to check an individual's right to work in the UK virtually, asking them to submit a scanned copy or photo of the original via email and then using video platforms where the worker holds up the original document to check against the digital copy that has been sent.
From 21 June 2021, you must either: -
Check the applicant's original documents, or;
Check the applicant's right to work online, if they've given you their consent and a share code.
If the business is continuing to operate remotely and in-person checks are not possible, the individual may have to courier original copies of documents verifying their right to work to their new employer, who will then need to verify their identity over a video call.
The updated guidance also provides that employers do not need to carry out retrospective physical checks of original documents on those who had a COVID-19 adjusted right to work check between 30 March 2020 and 20 June 2021 inclusive.
Further details can be found here: - Coronavirus (COVID-19): right to work checks - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)