Invitation to contribute to Home Office research about Right to Work compliance

The Hair Council are sharing an opportunity to contribute to an important research study commissioned by the Home Office, conducted by IFF Research. The research will explore businesses’ experiences of UK right to work regulations and any challenges they face in complying with those requirements.

The information below explains what the research is for, what participating would involve, and how to take part.

What is this research about?

The Home Office has commissioned IFF Research to speak to businesses about their experiences with right to work checks and illegal working regulations.
The research focuses on the experiences of businesses which have received a fine from the Home Office for hiring someone without the right to work in the UK (including working more hours than their visa allows).

IFF Research will carry out confidential interviews and write a report on the findings. The research will be anonymous: The Home Office will not know who we have spoken to or be able to identify you from the research.

We recognise that non-compliance with Right to Work requirements can happen for a range of reasons, including errors, the use of fraudulent documents or changes in an employee’s status. Our research aims to understand the circumstances and factors that lead to non-compliance, and to hear your views on what helps or hinders compliance. We are also keen to learn about your views on current preventative and deterrence strategies.

How will the research be used?

The findings from this research will be used by the Home Office to:

• Better understand the impact of enforcement action on businesses
• Support employers getting things right by helping to make Right to Work checks clearer and easier to carry out
• Understand what support or guidance might be most useful for employers

Your insights will help the Home Office understand what support or guidance might be most useful for employers in the future.

All information you provide will be treated in strict confidence, in accordance with the Market Research Society’s Code of Conduct. Participation in this research is voluntary and will not affect your relationship with the Home Office or any other government department.

How can I contribute?

Taking part would involve doing a 45 minute online or telephone interview in January or February with a researcher from IFF, at a time that suits you. We will make a donation of £100 to a UK charity of your choice, as thanks for your participation.

To tell us you want to do an interview, or if you have any questions beforehand, get in touch with us on RightToWork_research@iffresearch.com.

If you would like to verify the authenticity of this research, please contact the Home Office at Abbiegail.hellewell@homeoffice.gov.uk.