When you’re recruiting, there are plenty of things to consider. Finding the right skills and experience is important, but so is making sure the necessary checks are completed before someone starts work.

One of these is the Right to Work check.

What is a Right to Work check?

A Right to Work check is the process employers use to establish that someone is legally allowed to work in the UK.

The type of check required can depend on the individual’s circumstances and the documents or status they hold. Employers have a responsibility to carry out the appropriate checks and keep the necessary records.

For recruitment businesses, understanding these requirements is an important part of helping clients and candidates through the recruitment process.

How does Riverside approach Right to Work?

At Riverside Recruitment, we take the necessary checks seriously. Depending on the type of recruitment, our candidates may register with us in person at our office, or remotely through our registration process, including a video call where appropriate.

We carry out the appropriate Right to Work checks as part of our recruitment process, helping to ensure the relevant information is in place before a candidate starts work.

This has become even more important with new Right to Work rules coming into force on 1 October 2026, extending the scope of the Right to Work Scheme and strengthening the responsibilities around certain workers and labour supply arrangements.

For us, it’s about combining a personal approach with robust recruitment processes. Whether we’re getting to know a candidate face-to-face, through a video call or over the phone, we take the time to understand who we’re working with and make sure the appropriate checks are part of the process.

Because good recruitment is about more than matching a CV to a vacancy. It’s about getting the important details right too.

Why are Right to Work checks important?

Getting the checks right helps protect both employers and candidates.

For businesses, failing to carry out the appropriate checks can result in significant consequences such as severe civil penalties and criminal charges for employing illegal workers. For candidates, knowing that the necessary checks have been completed helps ensure there are no avoidable issues when starting a new role.

It’s also part of responsible recruitment!

At Riverside, we take our responsibilities seriously. As an REC member and ALP member, we believe good recruitment is built on professional standards, honesty and doing things properly.

Recruitment is about more than a CV

A CV can tell you about someone’s experience, but it doesn’t tell you everything you need to know. That’s why our approach is personal. We take the time to understand what our candidates are looking for and ensure the recruitment process is handled properly. Right to Work checks are just one part of that process, but they are an important one.

Good recruitment is about finding the right person – and getting the important details right too.

If you’re an employer and have questions about your recruitment process or the checks involved, our expert team is always happy to have a conversation and point you towards the appropriate guidance. If you’re looking to grow your team or step that next step in your career – get in touch today!

N.B. Last reviewed 02/10/2026