Checking your employees right to work in the UK
As a parent who has hired a nanny, it is essential to ensure that your employee has the legal right to work in the UK. Failure to do so could result in legal consequences for both you and your nanny. Here, we outline the steps you can take to verify your nanny's eligibility to work in the UK.
The first step in checking your nanny's eligibility to work in the UK is to ask them for their right to work documentation. All employees in the UK are required to have documents that prove their eligibility to work. These documents may include a passport, a visa, or a residence permit.
Once you have received your nanny's documents, you should check them carefully to ensure that they are valid and belong to your nanny. It is important to check that the documents have not expired and that they are not forged or counterfeit.
You can also use the online Employer Checking Service to verify your nanny's right to work in the UK. This service is provided by the Home Office and allows employers to check the eligibility of their employees to work in the UK. To use this service, you will need your nanny's details, such as their full name, date of birth, and nationality.
If your nanny is an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, they can use the EU Settlement Scheme to apply for settled or pre-settled status. Settled status allows EU citizens who have lived in the UK for five years or more to continue to live and work in the UK indefinitely. Pre-settled status is for EU citizens who have lived in the UK for less than five years and allows them to stay in the UK for up to five years.
If your nanny is not an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, they may need a visa or work permit to work legally in the UK. You can find out more information about the types of visas and work permits available on the UK government website.
It is important to remember that as an employer, you have a legal obligation to ensure that your employees have the right to work in the UK. Failure to do so can result in heavy fines or even imprisonment. By following these steps and verifying your nanny's eligibility to work in the UK, you can ensure that you are complying with the law and providing a safe and legal work environment for your nanny.