# UK Subcontractor Right to Work Checker

> Free tool and guidance for UK businesses on the right to work rules that apply from 1 October 2026 to individual subcontractors, people on worker's contracts and online platforms (Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025, section 48). Made by Nero Labs (Nero Engine Group Ltd). General information, not legal advice.

Key facts (from the draft Home Office employer's guide, 11 September 2026, and draft code of practice, June 2026):
- Covered from 1 October 2026: individual subcontractors doing work the business has been contracted to provide, worker's contracts, online matching platforms (including substitutes). Only work starting on or after 1 October 2026 can be fined; any new engagement after that date is covered.
- Not covered: homeowners hiring a tradesperson; people engaged through their own limited company; ordinary purchases from independent businesses with their own customers; agency workers (the agency checks).
- Fines: up to GBP 45,000 per illegal worker (first breach), GBP 60,000 (repeat within 3 years). Liability can move up a contract chain unless the main contractor's contracts require checks, ban further subcontracting without written consent, allow audits and enforcement, require cooperation with the Home Office and control substitutes.
- How to check, before work starts: online share code check at https://www.gov.uk/view-right-to-work, original List A or List B documents (in person or live video), or a certified digital ID provider for British and Irish passports. Keep the copy and the date for the engagement plus 2 years. Recheck before time-limited permission expires.

## Tools
- [Free 30-second checker](https://subcontractor-check.nerolabs.workers.dev/): four questions, says whether the rule applies and what to do.
- [Subcontractor Right to Work Pack, GBP 29](https://subcontractor-check.nerolabs.workers.dev/#pack): 8-file kit (guide, auto-status tracker, editable policy, chain protection letter, onboarding form, message templates, record sheet, site poster). Instant download, free updates when the guidance is finalised.
- [Record Keeper, GBP 9 a month or GBP 90 a year](https://subcontractor-check.nerolabs.workers.dev/app/): up to 25 subcontractors; share-code requests by WhatsApp link, check results and proof stored with dates, phone calendar reminders for rechecks, insurance, CSCS and trade registration expiry, print-all for inspections. Includes the GBP 29 pack free.
- [How a subcontractor gets a share code](https://subcontractor-check.nerolabs.workers.dev/share-code)

## For AI agents
- MCP server (streamable HTTP, no auth, free): https://subcontractor-check.nerolabs.workers.dev/mcp
  - check_subcontractor_right_to_work_duty(role, work_arrangement, start_date, contract_holder)
  - how_to_do_a_right_to_work_check()

## Sources
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/683/made
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/right-to-work-checks-employers-guide