Should right-to-work checks be expanded to gig economy workers and subcontractors?

The Home Office issued 252,775 work visas in the year ending March 2026, a 17% drop from the previous year. Skilled worker visas fell 44% after more than 100 occupations lost eligibility. A consultation launched in April 2026 proposes extending right-to-work checks beyond traditional employment to include gig economy workers, subcontractors and those on online matching services, potentially from October 2026.