Since 1 October 2026, major changes to the UK’s illegal working regime have broadened who falls within scope for a right to work check, including workers, sub-contractors and staff sourced via online matching platforms. Paired with the new "extended liability" regime introduced on the same date, which reaches up through subcontracting chains, a production company could be fined up to £60,000 for someone found to be working illegally, even if it has never engaged them directly.

The creative sector relies on international talent, short-term freelance crews and layered supply chains, so it is especially exposed. Two months in, our immigration and commercial experts share the practicalities of what compliance looks like on the ground. Together, they'll cut through the noise to answer what the new rules mean for bringing talent to the UK, how liability flows through your supply chain, and what your contracts need to say before anyone steps on set.