Share Codes For Overseas Workers In The UK: How Do They Work?

Are you an HR employee in the UK? If so, you may be wondering how share codes work and whether you need to use them.

In this article, we'll explore the basics of share codes and how you can help your employees stay safe and secure when working in the UK. We'll also provide a few tips on how to use share codes to your advantage.

What is a share code?

A share code is a unique number used to identify an overseas worker in the UK.

It is issued by the Home Office and is used to help employers check that a worker has the right to work in the UK.

The share code can be used to prove that someone is allowed to work in the UK; for example, when they are traveling through immigration control.

Who can use a share code?

Non-UK nationals can use share codes to prove their right to work.

Anyone who is not a UK national, having settled status or pre-settled status, or who has used the ID Check app to verify their immigration status, may use an online-generated share code to check the status of their citizenship.

How do share codes work for overseas workers in the UK?

The UK''s share code system is a means of regulating the number of overseas workers that an employer can recruit. The code is assigned to each employer, and is based on the size and type of their business.

The purpose of the system is to ensure that British workers have first priority for jobs, and that businesses only recruit abroad when they cannot find a suitable candidate in the UK.

The share code system was introduced in 2011 as part of the government's efforts to reduce immigration levels.

Using the share code (for HR Managers)

The idea behind the UK share code is to make the procedure for confirming an overseas employee's rights much faster and simpler for employers.

The ideal use of share codes is to help HR managers check the following:

• View and prove immigration status
• The length of time an employee can legally work in the UK
• If an employee has any rights to UK benefits

Types of share codes

The most common type of share code is the EEA (European Economic Area) code. This code is available to all workers who are resident in an EEA country. To qualify for this code, you must be working in the UK under a contract of employment or self-employment.

If you are not resident in an EEA country, you may be eligible for a second type of share code known as the A8 code. This code is available to workers from certain countries outside of the EEA, including Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, and Turkey.

What are the benefits of using a share code for overseas workers in the UK?

A share code allows employers to check the immigration status of potential employees quickly and easily. This can help to avoid any delays or problems with hiring workers. It also helps to ensure that all workers are legally entitled to work in the UK.

The use of a share code can speed up the recruitment process for both the employer and the worker. It also ensures that all workers have the correct immigration status, which helps to protect both the worker and the employer.

Generating the Right to Work Code

It is important for HR teams to know how employees can prove their right to work, so they can support them if they need help.

The steps are as follows:

• The candidate will need the following items to begin the process: their biometric residence permit number, passport or national identity card number or biometric residence card number.

• The individual goes to their gov.uk account with the identification used on their visa during the initial application.

• A six digit code is sent to their email address or phone.

• Once they log in to their application, they'll be able to check their visa classification code.

• They must be able to identify why they need the code, e.g. whether it's for an employer, landlord, or other company.

• Once they select the option, they will receive a 9 digit code for use

• The candidate can present the employer with their birth date so they can access the appropriate-to-work documents. The onboarding process can then begin.

The law on Share Codes

It is critical that HR teams familiarize themselves with the law on share codes and oversea employees' right to work. Not only to comply with the UK employment laws but also to ensure a smooth and efficient process for both employer and employee.

Failure to comply with right work laws can result in fines of up to £20,000, so it's important you understand the rules and regulations for it.