Immigration
Following the confirmation from Government that digital right to work (RTW) checks would be introduced permanently, the REC has written to the government regarding concerns over the proposed cost of using the new IDVT technology.
Under the Home Office's current proposals, conducting a RTW check could cost between £1.45 and £75 per check. Given the number of checks that recruitment agencies are required to check, costs at this level would not be feasible, and would be a huge barrier to agencies using the new checking system.
In addition, the existing employers checking service for overseas candidates will remain free to use. This creates a two-tier RTW system between UK nationals and non-UK nationals. By charging for RTW checks in this manner, the Home Office has undermined one of the key reasons behind switching to digital RTW checks, which was to address the discrepancy between the online checking service for overseas candidates and the requirement for UK nationals to have their RTW checked in person.
The REC has written to Tom Pursglove, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Immigration Compliance and Courts, to outline these concerns and to encourage the government to address these issues before the new system is introduced. Addressing these concerns before guidance on IDVT providers is issued by government is crucial to allow businesses time to make informed decisions over their use of the new technology.
The REC will continue to lobby government on this issue to ensure a fair approach is implemented. We’d appreciate any feedback from you on this issue so we can make as strong a case as possible to the government to ensure the costs issue is addressed. To share you views on the government proposals in this area please email Patrick.milnes@rec.uk.com
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