Overview
The Employer Checking Service (ECS) is a Home Office service that allows employers to verify a person's right to work in the UK when they cannot provide standard documentation. This is often necessary when an employee has an outstanding application or appeal with the Home Office. We help employers navigate this service to ensure they remain compliant with "Right to Work" legislation.
When to Use ECS
- When a prospective or current employee has an outstanding application for leave to remain.
- When an employee has an outstanding appeal or administrative review.
- When an employee has a Certificate of Application (CoA) that is less than 6 months old.
- When an employee has an Application Registration Card (ARC).
Required Information
- The employee's full name and date of birth.
- The employee's nationality.
- The employee's Home Office reference number or case ID.
- The job title and type of work the employee will be doing.
- The employee's current address.
Process Steps
- Initial Assessment: We determine if an ECS check is the correct route for the specific employee.
- Information Gathering: We help you collect the necessary details from the employee.
- ECS Submission: We guide you through the online ECS submission process.
- Positive Verification Notice (PVN): If successful, you receive a PVN which provides a statutory excuse for 6 months.
- Record Keeping: We advise on how to store the PVN and when to perform a follow-up check.
Benefits for Employers
- Statutory Excuse: Protects your business from civil penalties for illegal working.
- Compliance: Ensures you are meeting your legal obligations as a UK employer.
- Peace of Mind: Professional guidance reduces the risk of errors in the checking process.
- Continuity: Allows you to keep valuable employees while their applications are pending.