From 28 January 2019 it is going to be easier to check new (and existing) right to work status by using the Home Office's Right to Work Checking service:
The Home Office's Right to Work Checking Service
Under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 employers are required to prevent illegal working, failure to do so and as an employer you could be ordered to pay a civil penalty of £20,000 per worker.
However, a statutory excuse is possibly OK if you properly requested the original documentation and checked these details thoroughly prior to the commencement of employment - providing (of course) the paperwork indicated that the new employee has the legal right to work in the UK.
Up to the 28 January 2019, the only way to check these obligations was by checking the oringal documents. However you will now be able to use the Home Office checker (link above).
Before using this service, ensure you have asked the employee for their consent to obtain this personal information. And ensure you keep a copy of the online check report for a minimum of 2 years after the employment ends. You can also use this service for existing employees to ensure they still have the right to work in the UK.
If you would like to use our Right To Work Checklist please do not hesitate to contact us.