Thursday 1 October 2026

New rules to prevent illegal working coming into force today, Thursday 1 October 2026, are a board-level risk and compliance issue. This requires senior leadership oversight now, not after problems emerge.

Businesses should, as a matter of urgency, familiarise themselves with the complex web of new rules, identify workers they engage outside traditional employment structures and review their supply-chain, subcontractor and agency contracts.

This isn’t something leaders can afford to put off or ignore. Organisations that rely on gig workers, freelancers, agency staff or subcontractors could face fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker identified in their labour supply chain if they’ve failed to take the appropriate steps, even if they don’t directly employ that person.

Further resources
The final version of the employer’s guide to right to work checks is now available here.

See our pieces on the extended right to work scheme:

• Right to work checks from 1 October 2026: what do businesses need to know?
• Natasha Chell writes for SME Today on the impact of right to work changes on small and medium sized businesses
• Expanded right to work obligations from 1 October 2026: new regulations and code of practice published

Get in touch
If your organisation needs help assessing working arrangements, updating contracts or preparing right to work processes, contact your assigned LDI lawyer or our Enquiries team at enquiries@lauradevine.com.