Right to Work Checks: Changes from October 2026

Hosted by Scotland’s Migration Service in partnership with Seraphus, this webinar explains the expansion of right to work checks from 1 October 2026 and what businesses need to do to prepare. The session examines which new working arrangements may be brought into scope, who may be responsible for carrying out the check and how businesses can meet the requirements of the Right to Work Scheme. Employers will gain a practical understanding of the available check methods, the evidence they need to retain to establish a statutory excuse and how to apply checks consistently.

About the webinar

During the webinar you will learn:

• Which working arrangements may be brought into scope from 1 October 2026, including workers’ contracts, individual subcontractors and certain online matching services
• How the changes may affect casual, zero-hours, agency, gig economy and platform-based work
• When extended liability may apply in supply chains and contractual arrangements, including where substitution is permitted
• How to identify which business is responsible for carrying out the check and which new arrangements are affected
• The available right to work check methods and the evidence businesses must retain to establish a statutory excus
• The requirement to use a registered right to work digital verification service provider when choosing the digital route
• How to apply checks consistently and avoid unlawful discrimination
• Practical steps businesses can take to review their arrangements and prepare for the changes

About the trainer, Seraphus

Seraphus is an immigration law firm and delivery partner for Scotland’s Migration Service. Working with individuals, employers, and civil society organisations, Seraphus makes high-quality immigration advice accessible, helping employers understand right to work duties, contractual arrangements and compliant onboarding systems.

This session was hosted by Scotland’s Migration Service and delivered in partnership with Seraphus.