Make sure your nanny is legally entitled to work in the UK

You may recall the autumn of 2009 when the Attorney General Baroness Scotland was caught allegedly employing an illegal worker (housekeeper). This highlights the fact that domestic employers have the same responsibilities as commercial employers. Trying to avoid these can not only be very costly, but can also cause potentially career damaging publicity.

All UK employers are now required by law to make basic checks on every person they intend to employ in order to establish that they have a right to work in the UK and are here legally. These checks must be carried out on all potential employees whether or not you think they have a right to work in the UK by making assumptions based on their appearance or accent. You could face prosecution under the Race Relations Act 1976 and an unlimited fine if you do not ask all potential employees these questions.

• checks you need to make
• employing from the EEA
• a step-by-step guide
• an illegal worker's checklist