New Rules for UK Businesses
Gig Economy Employers Must Now Conduct Right to Work Checks
New Rules for UK Businesses: Gig Economy Employers Must Now Conduct Right to Work Checks
From 31 March 2025, UK businesses hiring gig economy and zero-hours workers will be legally required to conduct Right to Work checks—bringing them in line with traditional employers. This marks a major shift in employment compliance, and failure to follow the new rules could result in severe penalties.
At Barnett & Co Accountants, we are urging clients across sectors such as food delivery, beauty, construction, and courier services to take urgent action and prepare for these new legal obligations.
What Has Changed?
Until now, companies using flexible arrangements—such as those in the gig economy—were not legally obliged to verify the immigration status of their workers. That loophole has now been closed.
Under the new regulations:
All businesses must confirm every worker’s Right to Work in the UK, even in non-traditional employment models.
This includes gig economy platforms, contractors, casual workers, and zero-hours staff.
Checks must be completed before the worker starts, using digital or manual identity verification.
What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?
The consequences for hiring illegal workers are substantial:
Civil fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker
Business closure orders
Disqualification of company directors
Criminal penalties including prison sentences of up to 5 years
The government is serious about enforcement. Immigration Enforcement teams have already increased operations by over 40% in the past year, and additional technology and personnel are being deployed to support inspections.
Why These Changes Matter
According to the Home Office, extending legal obligations to the gig economy will:
Level the playing field for ethical businesses
Deter illegal work and people smuggling
Protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation
Businesses like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats already conduct Right to Work checks voluntarily. These new rules ensure that all businesses follow the same standards.
What Do Employers Need to Do?
The Right to Work check is quick, free, and straightforward. Employers must:
Confirm immigration status using the government’s online checking service or manual document inspection.
Keep records of the checks conducted.
Repeat checks where workers have time-limited visas.
The government also now allows digital ID verification for eligible workers, streamlining the process further.
How Barnett & Co Accountants Can Help
We assist businesses of all sizes with:
Employment compliance audits
Onboarding process design
Digital Right to Work check systems
Risk assessments and ongoing monitoring
As legislation evolves, it is vital your employment practices stay compliant. Whether you hire full-time staff or gig workers, Barnett & Co Accountants can help you stay ahead of regulatory changes and avoid costly penalties.
Contact Us for Guidance
To speak with one of our compliance specialists, please contact us:
📧 Email: info@barnettandco.uk
📞 Phone: 0345 646 1516
🏢 Address: Electra House, Electra Way, Crewe, CW1 6GL
Stay compliant. Stay protected.
Barnett & Co Accountants — Your trusted partner in business compliance.
