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Statutory excuse

An employer’s protection from a civil penalty for illegal working, earned by doing a right to work check correctly and on time. It lasts as long as the person works for you, or, for time-limited permission, until the date it ends, when a follow-up check is due.

Read the guide: Right to work checks guide

A short definition for UK employers, not legal advice. Checked 8 November 2026.

Related terms

  • Right to work check

    The check every UK employer must make, before employment starts, that someone is allowed to work in the UK.

  • Share code

    A code a person makes in their UKVI account to let an employer see their immigration status online.

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