Important Right to Work (RTW) Update for Construction Businesses

From 1 October 2026, Right to Work (RTW) requirements will be extended beyond traditional employment relationships to cover certain self-employed and subcontracted working arrangements, with further guidance awaited on the treatment of certain limited company arrangements.

With construction remaining a key focus for Right to Work enforcement, businesses engaging self-employed operatives will need to ensure compliant Right to Work checks are carried out before workers start on site.

Failure to comply could result in:

• Civil penalties of up to £60,000 per illegal worker

• Criminal prosecution in serious cases

• Significant financial and reputational risk

For contractors already facing skills shortages and project deadlines, this change introduces another critical compliance responsibility that must be managed efficiently.

As we enter July, October is approaching quickly and now is the time to review your onboarding processes and ensure your compliance procedures are fit for purpose.

At Stonebridge Contracting, we understand the challenges businesses face when engaging flexible workforces. Before engaging any operative, Stonebridge's dedicated Registrations and Compliance teams obtain and verify Right to Work documentation across all engagement types. We will only engage operatives who have demonstrated a valid Right to Work in the UK, helping clients reduce compliance risk and maintain confidence throughout the onboarding process.

Don't wait until the legislation takes effect. Planning now will help avoid delays, reduce risk and keep projects moving.

For more information, contact us at compliance@sbcontracting.co.uk.