Recruitment agencies face a shake-up in the documentation checks they perform on candidates as part of a government clampdown on illegal workers.

From 1 May, under changes to the Immigration and Asylum Act 1996, employers will have to see one of a range of documents including a passport, identity card and other travel documents showing that the person has the right to stay in the UK.

Crucially, the government will no longer accept a number of documents that have been used in the past. These include the ‘short’ birth certificate, the standard acknowledgement letter for asylum seekers and the construction industry scheme card.

“It’s not an administrative burden if you’re dealing with child safety. We have to do all this to run an honest business,” said Chris King, director of education at public sector recruiter Timeplan.

Recruitment agencies that fail to carry out proper checks on prospecitve employees could face a fine of up to £5,000.