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How do you check someone’s right to work in the UK?

verified Last reviewed 1 Jul 2026Rates current as of config 2026.2
bolt The short answer

Check every new hire the same way before their first day: a British or Irish passport by hand, or the free GOV.UK online check with a share code. A correct, dated check gives you a statutory excuse — a complete legal defence.

Check every new hire the same way before their first day: a British or Irish passport by hand, or the free GOV.UK online check with a share code. A correct, dated check gives you a statutory excuse — a complete legal defence.

The full plain-English guide is being written and reviewed. Meanwhile, the official guidance below covers the essentials, and the FirstEmployer app walks you through this step with the exact law on screen.

This guide is being expanded and solicitor-reviewed. The answer above is current as of config 2026.2.