Written question asked by Lord Laird (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Neville-Jones (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 February 2011.

Immigration

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Neville-Jones on 24 January (WA 112), whether the 10 largest public sector employers follow the UK Border Agency recommendation that document checks to prove a right to work in the United Kingdom are conducted on all prospective employees, including British, Irish and European Economic Area citizens.

Answer: Public sector employers who are sponsors under tier 2 of the points-based system are subject to compliance visits. Any found to be non-compliant may face having their licence revoked. No public sector employers have been found to be non-compliant. All employers are expected to follow the recommendations made by the agency on document checks to prove a right to work in the United Kingdom. This expectation applies irrespective of whether or not the employer is deemed a public or private sector employer. Guidance documents for employers on preventing illegal working include a code of practice that helps employers to comply with the law on illegal working without discriminating against individuals on the basis of their race. This code of practice makes clear that to avoid discrimination, all applicants should be treated in the same way at each stage of the recruitment practice. This includes British, Irish and European Economic Area citizens.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 6274; 724 c252WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Immigration
Monday, 24 January 2011
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Employment Migrants Public sector Vetting
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk