On 30 March 2025, the government announced a set of new measures to target illegal working and stop exploitative practices, which were expected to extend to contractors and labour providers operating in the ‘gig economy’ sector.
A new clause has now been introduced to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, proposing to broaden the right to work framework to alternative working arrangements.
If the change was implemented, employers would need to extend right to work checks to contractors, sub-contractors, and those operating through online matching platforms, otherwise being at risk of illegal working civil penalties.
The government is planning to launch a formal consultation with businesses to understand how many will likely be affected and what the implications for them would be.
Until enforcement of any new changes, employers are not compelled to run a right to work check on self-employed workers, although published Guidance encourages them to do so to avoid business disruptions and maintain best practice standards.
If you would like assistance with Right to Work checks, please do not hesitate to reach out for a conversation with our Business and Skilled Immigration Team either by clicking the link or emailing nfacco@turpinmiller.co.uk