That Time I Got Right to Work… Totally Wrong

Filed: 13/07/2025
Category: Right to Work / Compliance
Status: RESOLVED

Case Notes

Right to Work checks not completed correctly.
Incorrect documentation led to contract loss and potential fine.
Impact: lost revenue, formal warning, reputational risk

Recommendation: Use SafeHR to guide every Right to Work check and access expert advice to avoid compliance mistakes.

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Full case story

We hired someone new, great worker, knew their stuff. I glanced at their driving licence, ticked off the Right to Work check, job done. Or so I thought.

Two weeks later, the client called. They needed proof of Right to Work. I sent over the licence, thinking that would cover it. Their reply? “That’s not valid proof. You could be fined.”

Turns out, driving licences don’t count. I should’ve done a proper check. The result? We lost the contract, I got a formal warning, and nearly a £20k fine, all because I didn’t double-check what was actually valid.

Looking back, it could’ve been so different. SafeHR makes Right to Work checks simple, guiding you through every step, showing exactly what documents are valid and how to store them properly. No guesswork, no awkward emails, no risk.

And if I’d been unsure? I could’ve just picked up the phone and spoken to one of SafeHR’s experts, real people who know what’s what and actually want to help you get it right.

Could’ve saved the contract. Could’ve avoided the warning. Could’ve saved the embarrassment.

SafeHR – because no one should face HR horror alone.

Running a hands-on business means dealing with real people, real problems, and not much spare time. That’s where we come in.

Our HR experts help you tackle issues quickly, whether it’s sorting sick leave, handling tricky conversations, or staying on the right side of the law as rules change.

Our online platform makes it easy to manage your team, track time off, and get answers fast, without the paperwork headache.

With SafeHR you get:

Clear sickness and absence tracking.
Centralised rota and leave management.
Confidence that every shift is covered.

Save yourself from becoming a case file

Our HR Support Service helps you stay ahead of the paperwork, and out of trouble. Whether it’s performance, conduct, or absence issues, we give you the tools, templates and expert advice to handle things early, fairly and by the book.

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