Proof of right to work in the UK

The UK Government has introduced regulations (the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) to ensure that employers only employ people who are legally permitted to work in the UK. These regulations require an employer to verify a new employee’s right to work in this country by checking and copying certain documents and to undertake annual checks on employees whose right to work in the UK is time-limited.

This requirement applies to all new members of staff, irrespective of their nationality. It is a criminal offence to employ someone who does not have the right to work in the UK.

Procedure for new staff

During a member of staff’s first week of employment with the University, he or she should bring their document(s) detailed in the section How to prove your right to work in the UK to:

Exeter-based staff: Catherine Bailey, Human Resources in Room 357A on the third floor of Northcote House (on the Streatham Campus) during the following days/times: Mondays to Fridays 9am to 5pm.

Cornwall-based staff: Please take your documentation to the Peter Lanyon Reception during the following days/times: Monday to Fridays 9am to 5pm

Staff in the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry: Please contact Jo Leonard via hr@pcmd.ac.uk to arrange an appointment.

If a member of staff is unable to present these documents during his or her first week of employment, please contact the HR Business Partner for your College/Service to discuss alternative arrangements.

Procedure for individuals paid on a claims basis

The new requirements to check the right to work in the UK also apply to individuals undertaking casual work, who are paid on a claims basis. These individuals should hand the appropriate documents to their manager with the PD81 starter form. The manager will take a copy of the documents and return the originals to the individual.