Extending the Right to Work Scheme
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
The government is grateful to all those who responded to this consultation. The views and evidence submitted have been carefully considered and have informed the government’s final policy position.
Consideration has been given to the quantitative responses to the consultation along with the qualitative responses provided online, by email and during discussion with stakeholders. The government has set out its views on the proposals, including where there is intention to adopt them or where they already exist.
The government will continue to explore appropriate measures in relation to directors and partners of limited liability businesses in the event that businesses evade payment of civil penalties for the employment of illegal migrant workers.
The government will work to ensure processes are clear, streamlined and robust with guidance for employers alongside additional support for employers implementing right to work checks as a result of the changes.
Original consultation
Consultation description
Through the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025, the government is strengthening enforcement of the rules to clamp down on illegal working. 
This means that for the first time, the requirement to carry out right to work checks will be extended to cover businesses hiring ‘gig economy’ and zero-hours workers in sectors like construction, food delivery, beauty salons, courier services and warehousing.
This consultation sought views on:
- how this change should be operationalised and enforced
- how processes can be simplified to make it easier for employers to fulfil their responsibilities
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Documents
Updates to this page
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Added the government response to the consultation.
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First published.