The UK’s gig economy is booming - and with that growth comes more responsibility. Recent changes mean that every gig employer, from couriers to food delivery drivers, warehouse operators, to back street garages, must now carry out right to work checks for their workers.
Until recently, many assumed these checks only applied to traditional employment. But now, even if you're hiring freelancers, casual labour or zero-hours contractors, you're expected to verify they have the legal right to work in the UK.
Common Compliance Challenges
Running a gig-based business isn’t like hiring for a 9-to-5. With flexible contracts, fast-paced onboarding and rotating teams, employers face some real hurdles when it comes to staying compliant:
- High staff turnover Workers come and go quickly - especially in roles like delivery and warehouse shifts - making it tough to keep up with proper checks.
- Confusing job classifications Is someone an employee, a worker, or self-employed? The lines can blur, and that makes it harder to know what checks are legally required.
- Decentralised recruitment Many businesses rely on local managers or automated systems to bring people on board. Without a consistent process, mistakes can slip through the cracks.
What’s at Stake?
Skip these checks and you could be facing:
- Fines of up to £45,000 per illegal worker, rising to £60,000 if you're caught again.
- Possible criminal charges, the loss of your business licence, or even disqualification as a company director.
The Home Office is taking enforcement seriously. Whether you're running a courier network or managing shifts in a distribution warehouse, compliance is no longer optional.
Need Help Navigating This?
We know right to work checks aren’t always straightforward - especially if you’re juggling rotating staff or managing short-term gigs. That’s where we at ClassifIeD come in.
We offer support with:
- Accurate, legal right to work checks that keep your business protected.
- Digital identity verification to confirm documents are correct and valid in line with Home Office guidance.
- DBS checks for extra reassurance where needed.
Whether it’s a one-off check or setting up a process that scales with your team, we're here to help. Think of us as your go-to partner for staying on the right side of the law - without the headache.