Updated pre-employment check standards

NHS Employers has updated their identity and right to work check standards to reflect changes to the way European Economic Area (EEA) nationals, and their family members, can prove their right to work from 1 July 2021.

From today (1 July) EEA nationals and their family members cannot rely on an EEA passport or national identity card to prove their right to work in the UK. Instead they will demonstrate proof of right to work through pre-settled or settle status, or with a visa under the points based immigration system.

Right to work check standards

We have updated our right to work check standard to remove the distinction between EEA and non-UK nationals, ensured reference to the most up to date legislation throughout, and have re-written sections concerning the checking of the right to work in the UK of EEA nationals. We have also provided new frequently asked questions (FAQs) as further guidance.

Identity check standards

We have also updated our identity check standard to reflect requirements across the system including the removal of EU specific guidance. In addition, the identity check FAQs have been updated. 

Further information

For a full summary of the changes we have made to both standards, please see our updates at a glance table.