Right To Work Share Code UK: Complete 2025 Guide For Employers And Workers

A right to work share code is a key element in the UK’s modern employment verification process. Introduced as part of the digital immigration system, it allows workers to prove their eligibility to work in the UK without the need for physical documents. This unique nine-character code is generated online and can be shared with employers, enabling them to confirm a person’s immigration status quickly and securely. In an era where compliance and efficiency are vital, understanding how the right to work share code works is essential for both job seekers and hiring managers.

In 2025, the process of proving your right to work has become increasingly reliant on online verification tools. The right to work share code ensures that only individuals with valid work permissions are employed, protecting businesses from legal risks. For employers, it is a vital step in avoiding penalties, and for workers, it is the fastest way to demonstrate eligibility. This guide explores everything from generating a share code to carrying out a right to work check, ensuring you meet all legal requirements with confidence.

Understanding the Right to Work Share Code

The right to work share code is issued by the Home Office and acts as a secure digital link to a worker’s immigration status. By entering this code into the official online checking system, employers can view details such as the type of work a person is permitted to do and the duration of their permission. This system is primarily designed for non-British and non-Irish citizens who have a digital immigration record, although others may also use it.

Unlike traditional methods that relied on physical right to work documents such as passports or visas, the share code offers a faster, paperless, and more secure method of verification. It removes the risk of forged documents and streamlines the recruitment process. For those who hold digital immigration status, the right to work share code is now the standard way to prove work eligibility in the UK, replacing the need for manual checks in most cases.

How to Obtain Your Right to Work Share Code

To obtain a right to work share code, individuals must access the GOV.UK “Prove Your Right to Work” service. The process requires a valid form of identification, such as a passport, biometric residence permit, or national identity card. After logging in and verifying your identity, the system will generate a share code that can be shared with an employer. This code is valid for 90 days, after which a new one must be generated if needed.

It is important to ensure all personal details entered match the records held by the Home Office. Any discrepancies can result in a failed verification, potentially delaying employment. Workers are encouraged to check their status before applying for jobs to ensure everything is up to date. By taking this step, job seekers can avoid last-minute issues and ensure their right to work share code is ready when needed.

How Employers Can Check Right to Work Using a Share Code

Employers can verify an applicant’s right to work by entering the share code and the individual’s date of birth into the GOV.UK “Check a Job Applicant’s Right to Work” service. The system will then display the person’s immigration status, work entitlements, and any restrictions. This process is simple, fast, and provides an official record of the check.

Carrying out a right to work share code check is not just best practice—it is a legal requirement. Employers who fail to complete checks correctly risk substantial fines and reputational damage. Once the check is completed, employers should store the verification result securely for future audits. Keeping accurate records is a key part of demonstrating compliance with UK employment law.

Right to Work Documents and Alternatives to the Share Code

While the right to work share code is essential for many foreign nationals, not all workers require one. UK and Irish citizens can still prove their right to work using traditional documents such as passports or birth certificates. In these cases, employers can carry out a manual check without using the online system.

That said, the digital system is often preferred due to its speed and reliability. Employers must familiarise themselves with the full list of acceptable documents published by the Home Office to ensure they are meeting legal standards. For those without a share code, providing the correct right to work documents is crucial to avoid delays or rejections during the hiring process.

Legal Responsibilities and Compliance in the UK

Under UK law, employers must verify the right to work of every employee before they start work. This means conducting a compliant right to work share code check for anyone with a digital immigration status. Failure to do so can lead to severe penalties, including fines of up to £20,000 per illegal worker and potential criminal charges in serious cases.

In 2025, the Home Office has emphasised the importance of ongoing compliance. If an employee’s right to work is time-limited, follow-up checks must be carried out before their permission expires. Employers are advised to keep track of these dates and maintain thorough records to protect themselves against legal consequences.

Troubleshooting and Common Issues with Right to Work Share Codes

Occasionally, problems can arise when using a right to work share code. Common issues include expired codes, incorrect personal details, or updates to immigration status not yet reflected in the system. In such cases, workers should log into the GOV.UK portal to generate a new code or update their details.

Employers experiencing repeated verification failures should contact the Employer Checking Service for assistance. Workers can also seek advice from immigration specialists if their status is not displayed correctly. By addressing issues promptly, both parties can avoid unnecessary delays in the hiring process.

Conclusion

The right to work share code has revolutionised the way employment checks are carried out in the UK. For workers, it provides a simple, secure way to prove eligibility, while for employers, it ensures compliance and minimises legal risks. By understanding how to generate, use, and verify a share code, both sides of the employment process can operate smoothly and lawfully.