OpenConsultation consultationoutcome

Extending the Right to Work Scheme

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Prevention of illegal working: Extending the Right to Work Scheme to other working arrangements: government response

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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

Summary

The government is consulting with employers on extending right to work checks to the 'gig economy' to prevent illegal working.

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Consultation description

Through the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration BillAct 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 seekssought 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

Extending the Right to Work Scheme to other working arrangements: consultation questions

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If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Ways to respond

Updates to this page

Published 29 October 2025
Last updated 30 June 2026 Show all updates
  1. Added the government response to the consultation.

  2. First published.

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