Intelligence

From 1 October 2026, the UK's right to work regime undergoes its most radical expansion since 2006, with organisations now facing potential fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker found not only among their direct employees but also within subcontracting chains, through online matching services, and under substitution clauses. This sweeping change redefines employer liability and extends immigration compliance requirements beyond HR departments into commercial contracting, affecting immigration lawye

Reform UK's proposal to pay the public for reporting unauthorized immigrant workers faces criticism as unworkable and discriminatory. With the UK already expanding right-to-work responsibilities this October and existing enforcement mechanisms in place, immigration expert Vanessa Ganguin explains why this policy misses the mark and could enable prejudice-driven reporting.

The immigration salary list offers UK employers access to skilled workers at reduced salary thresholds, replacing the previous shortage occupation list with a more flexible, regularly reviewed system. Understanding which occupations qualify and how to properly apply these reduced rates can help businesses navigate visa sponsorship requirements while avoiding costly application errors.

A father's immigration appeal was dismissed after the Court of Appeal found that pending family court proceedings regarding contact with his British daughter did not automatically grant him the right to remain in the UK under Article 8 ECHR. The judgment clarifies when family proceedings take priority over immigration decisions and establishes that immigration status cannot be assumed during ongoing family court cases.

Recent Home Office statistics reveal record-breaking levels of illegal working enforcement activity in the UK, with substantial increases in workplace visits, arrests and civil penalties. What do these figures mean for employers navigating Right to Work compliance, sponsor licence duties and the upcoming expansion of immigration obligations?

Employers seeking to hire international workers under UK sponsored visa routes must navigate the complex process of issuing Certificates of Sponsorship. Understanding the different types of CoS, eligibility requirements, associated costs, and application procedures is essential to avoid severe consequences and ensure compliance with immigration regulations.