Under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2006,  all employers have a duty to check certain identification documents to prove that their employees have a valid legal "right to work" in the UK.

The Home Office through their Border and Immigration Agency has produced guides to what information is required and what identity documents are acceptable to them. Under new legislation, if the BIA do find that you have employed an "illegal worker" they can issue an immediate civil fine of up to £10,000 per worker.  They will also name and shame on their web site!! 

Further information can be found in the following Advice Note or by following links to other useful sites. 

Immigration Asylum Advice Note (Word)
Immigration Asylum Advice Note (PDF)

Where can I get more information:

The following link will redirect you to the Border and Immigration Agency.