The 2025 immigration white paper: what does it mean for employer Right to Work compliance?
The UK Government’s 2025 White Paper, Restoring Control Over the Immigration System, outlines considerable reforms to the immigration system aimed at reducing net migration, increasing employer accountability, and strengthening enforcement. These changes have significant implications for employers and in this blog, we explore how they might affect an employer’s approach to Right to Work (RtW) compliance.
The May 2025 White Paper introduces many measures, from changes affecting skilled worker visas to tougher English tests. The government have indicated that some elements will need new legislation to be introduced, while others will require a “change in approach across government, industry and society as a whole”. Some key areas we believe will be particularly key in the area of compliance checks include:
Renewed Focus on Compliance and Enforcement
Chapter 5 of the government White Paper outlines plans around ‘robust’ immigration enforcement. It highlights a substantial increase in resources, with hundreds of staff redeployed to focus on illegal working across key sectors – particularly the gig economy. It states that enforcement efforts will be supported by the rollout of eVisas and the use of modern biometric technology to track and identify non-compliant workers.
This means that employers can likely expect increased scrutiny and site visits, and there will be additional resource to carry out raids where compliance is questioned. Therefore, maintaining a robust and compliant Right to Work process will become more important than ever to avoid penalties and reputational damage.
Visa controls
The government plans to make several changes to visas, including student, graduate and skilled worker visas. The White Paper outlines a rise in salary thresholds and restrictions around eligibility for work visas, especially for lower-paid or temporary roles. The whitepaper also announces the closure of new overseas applications for social care visas. However, a transition period is in place until 2028, during which existing visa holders in the UK can apply for extensions or switch immigration routes domestically.
These changes reinforce the need for employers to closely monitor immigration policy developments and ensure their continued compliance. It also underlines the continued importance of robust Right to Work checks, clear procedures and record keeping as well as seeking ongoing legal guidance.
What does this mean for employer Right to Work checks?
With a stronger focus on illegal working and enforcement, employers should prioritise:
- Verifying all worker eligibility through secure, Home Office-compliant checks. This should include sub-contractors, self-employed workers and those in the gig economy.
- Ensuring a robust Right to Work process, no matter how an applicant demonstrates their eligibility. As a certified Identity Service Providers(IDSP), TrustID offers a range of services which can support Digital RtW checks as well as checks on applicants who don’t have the correct documents to be checked in accordance with the Digital Schemes.
- Keeping detailed, accurate and complete records which are available for Home Office audits
- Ensuring all staff responsible for onboarding understand the legal requirements
How TrustID can help
At TrustID, we make Right to Work checks simple, secure, and compliant. Our certified digital identity verification services help you:
- Validate identity quickly using eligible identity documents or digital credentials
- Stay compliant with the latest Home Office standards
- Gather evidence to support potential audits or enforcement actions
- Support efficient, low-risk onboarding, especially at scale
In conclusion, the 2025 Immigration White Paper sends a clear signal that the government intend to tighten controls and increase enforcement. Employers must be proactive, ensuring their Right to Work checks are robust and remain up to date. By using a trusted IDSP like TrustID, you can reduce compliance risks and confidently onboard new hires in a changing regulatory environment.
Read the full White Paper here: Restoring Control Over the Immigration System – GOV.UK
This blog is intended as a guide only and does not constitute legal advice. For more information, visit the Government website.
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