How to Stay Compliant with Right to Work Regulations in 2025

With UK regulations tightening and digital transformation accelerating, staying compliant with Right to Work (RTW) legislation is more critical than ever. In 2025, updates from the Home Office, shifts in acceptable documentation, and the end of temporary COVID-19 adjustments have made it imperative for employers to act decisively, or risk severe penalties.

What Are Right to Work Checks?

Right to Work checks are a legal obligation for UK employers. They ensure that any individual hired has the legal right to work in the UK. These checks must be completed before employment begins. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker, along with potential criminal charges and damage to your company’s reputation.

There are now three main types of RTW checks:

• Manual checks
• Online checks via the Home Office service
• Digital checks using certified Identity Service Providers (IDSPs) 

Key Changes to RTW Regulations in 2025

As of February 2025, several regulatory updates have transformed how RTW checks are carried out:

• Biometric residence cards and frontier worker permits are no longer accepted for manual checks.
• Employers must use certified IDSPs, such as TrustID, for checks involving British and Irish citizens.
• The increase in remote hiring has led to a heavier reliance on digital verification tools.
• Temporary COVID-19 measures have ended, standard procedures are now mandatory.

Why Go Digital?

Digital RTW checks are fast becoming the industry standard, and for good reason:

• Speed & Convenience: Complete checks remotely within minutes.
• Improved Compliance: Certified IDSPs provide verified reports that satisfy Home Office requirements.
• Audit-Ready Records: Built-in digital records make audits stress-free.
• Fraud Prevention: AI and biometric verification reduce the risk of document forgery.
• Supports Remote Hiring: Allows candidates to verify documents from anywhere, avoiding the need for in-person meetings.

How to Stay Compliant

To ensure you're fully compliant with the latest RTW legislation, follow these steps:

1. Choose a Certified IDSP: Ensure your provider is Home Office-approved.
2. Complete Checks Before Employment Starts: A post-start date check offers no legal protection.
3. Maintain Records: Store verification reports securely for at least two years after employment ends.
4. Train Your Teams: Keep HR and hiring managers up to date with regular training.
5. Audit Your Process: Regularly review your onboarding and verification procedures to align with new legislation.

 The Consequences of Getting It Wrong

Non-compliance carries serious risks:

• Fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker
• Potential criminal prosecution
• Loss of sponsor license (for sponsored roles)
• Brand damage through public naming and shaming

How Mobile Rocket Supports Compliance

At Mobile Rocket, we simplify the compliance process for recruitment agencies through our all-in-one platform, Rocket Recruitment. With integrated TrustID-powered checks, our digital onboarding solution enables agencies to:

• Eliminate over 40 hours of admin work per week
• Gain tamper-proof digital audit trails
• Receive real-time compliance alerts
• Securely onboard remote hires with ease

Just ask the S4S Team, who saw a 29.5% increase in billed hours, onboarded 18 new clients in six months, and passed a rigorous EAS inspection with zero advisories. According to Ryan Scott, Co-founder of S4S, “Mobile Rocket has been a game-changer… our recent inspection success is proof of Mobile Rocket’s impact.”

Stay Ahead, Stay Compliant

In 2025, Right to Work compliance isn't just a legal requirement, it’s a pillar of responsible and efficient recruitment. By embracing digital checks and aligning with certified providers like Mobile Rocket, you protect your business, reduce admin strain, and prepare confidently for any audit.

Need help auditing your current process? Download our free compliance checklist here.
Want to see how it works? Click here for a demo.