29/09/2026
Important Right to Work Changes Coming 1 October 2026
Does your organisation engage people beyond traditional employees?
Many businesses rely on casual staff, contractors, subcontractors, freelancers, or individuals sourced through online matching platforms. If that sounds familiar, there is a massive compliance shake-up you need to be aware of.
From 1 October 2026, the UK's Right to Work Scheme is expanding. It will be the biggest overhaul to workplace checks in decades, and it pushes liability far beyond traditional employee relationships.
At NuvoHR, we want to make these legal changes simple to understand. Here is what you need to know:
• It’s no longer just about your direct staff: You can no longer assume Right to Work checks are only for payroll employees. You must now ensure they are done for almost anyone performing work for you, including freelancers and agency workers
• The "Supply Chain" trap: Under new rules, your business could be held legally and financially liable if an illegal worker is found deep within your network of subcontractors.
• Beware of "imposter" risk: Organisations must have strict protocols to prove that the physical person turning up to do the job is the exact same person who passed the background check.
• The stakes are high: Failure to carry out the correct checks could leave your business exposed to significant compliance risks, including civil penalties of up to £60,000 per worker and the potential loss of sponsor licences.
How NuvoHR Can Help You
October is just around the corner, so updating your procurement processes, contracts, and hiring workflows needs to happen now.
We support businesses in navigating their Right to Work obligations and maintaining compliance. We can provide fast, secure, and compliant digital Right to Work checks, helping employers verify an individual's eligibility to work in the UK with confidence.
Whether you're recruiting direct employees or engaging external contractors, we can help ensure your checks are robust, safe, and fully compliant before the deadline hits.
Drop us a message or comment below to find out how we can safeguard your business!