CHURCHES will be able to use certified new technology to digitally carry out important right to work checks from April 6 this year.
The government has announced that certified ‘Identity Service Providers’ (IDSPs) will be able to use ‘Identification Document Validation Technology’ (IDVT) to conduct right to work checks on behalf of British and Irish citizens.
IDSPs allow people to verify their identity remotely and prove their eligibility to work – or rent accommodation – which will reduce the costs of recruitment processes.
The same process is being enabled for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) pre-employment checks.
Working time and hours spent undertaking the checks will be slashed as employers who use an IDSP will no longer need to physically examine documents.
The right to rent and work schemes are a key measure to tackle and deter illegal immigration, as part of the government’s New Plan for Immigration and move to a digital immigration system.
They are intended to prevent individuals without lawful immigration status in the UK from working and accessing accommodation, as well as supporting efforts to tackle those who exploit vulnerable migrants, often housing them in very poor conditions.
Minister of State for Media, Data, and Digital Infrastructure, Julia Lopez, said: “We are determined to seize the potential of new technology to boost the economy and make people’s lives easier.
“Trusted and secure ways for people to confidently verify themselves online will be a game-changer and offer an alternative to time-consuming and complex paper-based processes.
“I’m delighted people will now be able to take advantage of our new digital identity trust framework to prove their eligibility to work, rent, or undergo criminal record checks.”
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