From 1 October 2026, a new UK law means Vidsy needs to confirm every creator's right to work in the UK before booking them for paid briefs. This applies across the industry, not just to us. Here's everything you need to know.
✏️ The basics
Why is this a requirement?
UK legislation now requires platforms that connect businesses with freelance creators to verify right to work status before booking paid work, the same way employers already have to for staff.
When does this start?
From 1 October 2026. You'll be asked to verify the next time you're invited to a paid brief after that date. If you work with us regularly, you might hear from us a little earlier so it doesn't hold up any upcoming bookings.
👀 What's involved
What do I actually need to do?
You'll complete the check through the Vidsy platform. Most creators can do it one of two ways: a quick digital ID check (scanning a valid British or Irish passport and taking a selfie via our secure verification partner), or by providing a Home Office Right to Work share code if your immigration status is proved through an eVisa. Other forms of evidence may also be accepted, the platform will show you what's available to you.
How long does it take?
About 2 minutes for the passport-based check.
What documents can I use?
A valid British or Irish passport is the simplest route for the digital check. If you hold a different immigration status, you'll provide a share code from your UKVI account instead. One thing to flag: physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) or Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) can no longer be used on their own, so if this applies to you, a share code is the way to go. We'll tell you exactly what's needed at the point you're asked to verify.
I'm not UK-based, does this affect me?
No. This check applies specifically to creators working in the UK. If you're based outside the UK, you won't see this request.
I'm British, but I don't live in the UK, does this still apply to me?
It depends on where you'll be working, not where you're from. This check is about creators working in the UK, so if you're a British citizen based overseas and the brief work happens outside the UK, it won't apply to you. If you're coming to work on a UK-based brief, we'll let you know at that point.
Will I need to do this again?
Once you're verified, we'll keep the result on file and review it periodically, so in most cases there's nothing more for you to do. The one exception is if your right to work has an expiry date, for example a time-limited visa, in which case we'll ask you to complete another check before it expires. We'll always let you know when anything's needed, you won't need to keep track of it yourself.
What if I don't verify?
From 1 October, we won't be able to book unverified creators for paid briefs. Your account and profile aren't affected, you just won't be able to accept new paid work until you've completed the check.
👩💻 Your data
Who sees my ID and personal information?
Your documents themselves are processed by our secure verification partner, not by Vidsy staff. We store the result of your check (essentially, verified or not) securely on our side, so we can confirm your right to work status when needed. One important note: please don't send identity documents to us by email, always complete the check through the secure link so your information stays protected.
Does this change what brands or brief leads can see on my profile?
No. Your profile, portfolio and how you're seen by brands stays exactly the same. This is a backend compliance check, not a public status.
Is this a background check?
No, this is solely about confirming your right to work in the UK, not a criminal record check, credit check, or anything similar.
What if I already have a Right to Work check from another platform or employer?
Right to work checks aren't transferable between organisations, each business is legally required to carry out its own check. You'll still need to verify with us directly.
You can find out more about proving your right to work on GOV.UK.
If you have any questions about the right to work process, please get in touch with the team at community@vidsy.co.