New video to assist UK businesses with right to work checks changes

On 1 July 2021, the process for completing right to work checks changed.

Employers are no longer able to accept EU passports or ID cards as valid proof of right to work for new staff, with the exception of Irish citizens. Instead, an online check for job applicants that hold digital proof of their immigration status in the UK, known as an eVisa, must be conducted. This applies to most EU citizens, including those with settled or pre-settled status, those with a Hong Kong BNO visa and some other nationalities who have moved to the UK more recently under the points-based immigration system.

A manual check can be completed for UK and Irish nationals who can use their passport, or other identity document, as proof of their right to work. Employers will also need to complete a manual check for individuals in the UK who cannot prove their immigration status online.

It is important to note that you do not need to retrospectively check the status of any EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens you employed before 1 July 2021.

You can find the video on the Home Office YouTube channel here. The video guides you through the new right to work check process, including details of applicant information required for both types of check and links to further information. 


Placing manufactured goods on the market on the market in Great Britain from 1 January 2021

Guidance has been updated to include information about placing qualifying goods on the market in Great Britain from Northern Ireland. For more information, click here


The Construction Leadership Council has issued a document entitled 'EU Exit Business Readiness: Movement of People – what should you be doing now?'

Click here to learn more.

Tara Page, CIAT's International Director said: "CIAT is pleased to have been part of this initiative which sees the construction industry working collectively and collaboratively to support and advise employers in a post-Brexit world."


Rules of Origin for trading with the EU: A short explainer for SMEs

What are Rules of Origin? 
Rules of Origin determine the economic nationality of a good under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Businesses need to know about them because the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) means they can trade with the EU without paying tariffs – but only if their product meets the relevant Rules of Origin. 

How do Rules of Origin impact my business? 
To export tariff-free into the EU, traders must check their goods meet the Rules of Origin requirements set out in the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and have the right documentation. If your goods do not meet the Rules of Origin, they may face a tariff upon export to the EU. 

What action do I need to take? 
Watch the on demand video which summarise Rules of Origin processes for businesses.

Then, if you are a UK exporter and your EU importer wants to claim zero tariffs on your goods, there are 3 key steps to work out whether your goods comply with rules of origin: 

1. Classify your good – every good has a commodity code and a list is available on gov.uk 

2. Understand whether your good meets the applicable rule of origin from the TCA (Chapter 2 as well as Annexes ORIG-1 to ORIG-4 will be most useful). You can also use the export checker tool to find out what rule of origin applies to your exports. 

3. Understand how to demonstrate origin to the customs authorities. 

For help in working out whether your goods comply and how to demonstrate this to customs authorities, read the Rules of Origin Guidance on trading with the EU. 

You may choose to use a customs agent to help you with Rules of Origin and there is guidance available here on how to find one. 

To view the full short explainer document, click here


Answer 7 questions to get guidance relevant to your business or organisation. This tool will help you find out:

  • what your business or organisation may need to do to prepare for Brexit
  • what's changing in your industry
  • information on specific rules and regulations