GOV.UK Right to Work Checking Service vs WPC RightToWork

GOV.UK Right to Work Checking Service lets employers check a job applicant’s permission to work in the UK. To start an online check, an employer needs the applicant’s date of birth and right to work share code; the result shows permitted work types and, when permission is time-limited, how long it lasts. British and Irish citizens cannot get share codes, so employers must check physical documents or use an identity service provider offering Identity Document Validation Technology. The accompanying employer guidance covers initial checks, acceptable documents, and follow-up checks. Employers must check again when time-limited permission is due to expire. For manual checks, they must record the check date and keep document copies throughout employment and for two years after it ends, while following data protection law. In specified cases where an applicant cannot show documents or online immigration status, employers must ask the Home Office to check status and keep the resulting Positive Verification Notice. The service is web-based and free. The page also lists an Employer Enquiry helpline with weekday hours.

WPC RightToWork automates UK right-to-work checks for job applicants through separate employer and candidate apps on Android and iOS. The maker says AI verifies document authenticity against official government databases, while biometric facial recognition confirms the document holder’s identity. Results are advertised in five minutes, subject to candidate turnaround time. Employers can monitor employees’ status, receive updates, get expiry reminders, and keep digital records accessible for audits and inspections. WPC describes integration with government databases but names no HRIS or ATS integrations. It says AWS hosts the service and cryptographic protections secure data in transit and, where appropriate, while its security approach addresses applicable UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 obligations. WPC states that it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorised by a government entity, and employers remain responsible for statutory duties. Pricing starts at £10, paid once for one check valid for a year; annual plans cover 20, 100, or 300 checks.