Right to Work Check Construction Site: Your Guide

Working on a UK construction site means proving your right to work. This check is a legal must. It applies to everyone, whether you're a UK citizen or from overseas. Both contractors and workers need to understand this process. It keeps you compliant and sites running smoothly.## Why Right to Work Checks MatterThe Home Office sets strict rules for employers. All UK employers, including construction contractors, must check a worker's right to work. This happens before a worker starts any job. Failing to do this can lead to big problems.If a contractor employs someone without the right to work, they face a civil penalty. Civil penalties can be much higher in practice: construction companies and recruitment agencies face fines of up to £45,000 per worker for a first breach and up to £60,000 per worker for repeat violations. The Home Office actively targets the construction sector because of its heavy use of temporary labour, subcontractors, and agency staff. Penalties cover civil fines, supply chain liabilities and, in some cases, criminal punishments.These checks protect everyone. They ensure fair play and legal employment. They stop exploitation. They keep the UK construction industry compliant.## For Contractors: Your ResponsibilitiesYou must complete a right to work check for every new worker. Do this before their first day. There are three ways to check:1. Manual Document Check: Inspect original documents.2. Online Check: Use the Home Office online service.3. Identity Service Provider (IDSP): Use a certified IDSP for digital checks. This applies to British and Irish citizens with valid passports.Manual ChecksFor a manual check, you must see the worker's original documents. You cannot accept copies. Common documents include: * A UK passport or Irish passport. * A passport showing indefinite leave to remain. * A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). * Certain combinations of other documents. For example, a birth certificate and an official document showing your National Insurance number.You must check the document carefully. Make sure the photo matches the person. Check expiry dates. Take a clear copy of each document. Keep these copies securely. Record the date you did the check.Online ChecksMany workers, especially those with a visa or EU Settlement Scheme status, have digital immigration status. You cannot do a manual check for them. You must use the Home Office online service.The worker will give you a 'share code'. They get this code from the Home Office website. You use this code, along with their date of birth, to view their status online. The online service tells you if they can work and for how long. Print or save a copy of the online check results. Record the date you did the check.Follow-up ChecksSome workers have a time limit on their right to work. You must do follow-up checks before their permission expires. Set reminders. You'll need to do another manual or online check at that time.## For Workers: What You NeedYou need to prove your right to work. Get your documents ready early. This speeds up your start on site. If you are a UK or Irish citizen:You usually need your valid passport. If you do not have a passport, you might use your original birth certificate and an official document with your National Insurance number.If you are not a UK or Irish citizen:You will likely have a digital immigration status. You need to get a 'share code'. You will share this code with your contractor. They will use it to check your status online. You cannot use your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) for a manual check if you have digital status. The contractor must use your share code.If you have a physical visa sticker in an old passport, you might need to show that passport. Always check your specific immigration status.**Why a Share Code?**The Home Office moved many immigration statuses online. This includes EU Settlement Scheme status and most visas. A share code lets you prove your status quickly and securely. It means you do not need to carry physical documents that could get lost.What to have ready: * Your valid UK or Irish passport. * OR, if you're not a UK or Irish citizen, your share code and date of birth. * OR, if you don't have a passport, your original birth certificate and a document with your National Insurance number.## Getting Your Share CodeGenerating a share code is simple. You do it on the UK government website.1. Go to 'Prove your right to work to an employer'.2. Click 'Start now'.3. Choose the type of identity document you used for your immigration application. This could be your passport, national identity card, or BRP.4. Enter your document number and date of birth.5. You will get a unique share code. This code is valid for 90 days.Write down your share code. You can also email it to yourself. Give this code and your date of birth to your contractor. They will use it to view your right to work status online. Make sure your details are up to date with the Home Office.## Why a Site Might Refuse YouA site will refuse you if you cannot prove your right to work. This is not personal. It is a legal requirement.Contractors face big fines and legal action if they let someone work without a check. They cannot take risks. If you turn up without the right documents or a valid share code, they cannot let you start.It protects the contractor. It protects you. Make sure your documents are ready before you go to site. This avoids delays and disappointment. You can find live jobs on LabourBase AI. Make sure you have your documents ready before applying.Always have your right to work documents ready before seeking work on a construction site. This includes your passport or a valid share code. It ensures a smooth start for you and keeps contractors compliant.