In March 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Home Office allowed a temporary change which meant Right to Work (RTW) checks could be carried out digitally. This was a welcome change for employers and a successful way for RTW checks to be carried out safely and efficiently during the pandemic.    

Initially, the Home Office introduced the changes temporarily in response to the pandemic, although plans to revert to in-person checks have been delayed several times during the last 18 months. The current extension runs until 5^th April 2022. During each call for an extension to the changes, the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) has been a prominent voice. The REC - along with other organisations and industry leaders - have worked hard to keep the changes in place while the country dealt with the effects of the pandemic.

This month the REC has released fresh plans to continue their fight. This time, they plan to continue to lobby the government to make digital RTW checks permanent. Later this year, the Home Office are due to publish results of a review of digital RTW solutions which could see a plan for a permanent solution.

Our view

Over the last 18 months, we've all adapted a lot to keep things going. For us, the introduction of digital RTW checks meant we could protect our clients, candidates and staff throughout the pandemic.

But that’s not all!

Digital checks have made a huge difference to us, giving us the ability to streamline the RTW process. And that’s something we want to continue. It demonstrates where we should be going; into a more efficient, digital future.

We are keen to see the updates over the next few months!