539.Section 94 inserts a new section 113CD into the 1997 Act to provide for “right to work” information to be recorded on Basic, Standard and Enhanced Disclosures where a request for such information is made. This follows a request from the Home Secretary in early 2008 to explore the possibility of incorporating “right to work” checks within the CRB service following concerns about the employment of illegal workers in sectors required to obtain a CRB disclosure. Currently, CRB certificates do not provide information pertaining to an individual’s immigration status.
540.The amendments will enable an employer to be informed, should they so request, whether prospective or current employees have a “right to work” in the UK based on the UK Border Agency (UKBA) records. This will assist employers in avoiding the employment of illegal workers which under the current legislation makes an employer liable to pay a civil penalty of up to £10,000 per person if found to be employing someone illegally. This civil penalty regime was introduced in February 2008 and is set out under sections 15 and 22 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.
541.This will be an optional service offered by the CRB and there will remain other ways for employers to satisfy themselves of an individual’s right to work status.
542.Where a request for a “right to work” check is made, the certificate will state whether the applicant has a right to work or not and any conditions attached to the relevant status will also be disclosed where appropriate. If an individual’s right to work status cannot be determined from UKBA records, employers will be provided with further information on how to identify whether the individual has a right to work.
543.The intention is to charge a fee to recover the development and running costs of this service and this will be in addition to the fee paid for a Disclosure. Prior to any fee being introduced, a public consultation will be carried out.