Illegal Working Regime To Be Expanded To Non-employers

A recent illegal working raid in Northern Ireland highlights the Home Office's continued focus in this area across the UK. It also provides the latest example of reputational damage to a business other than the direct employer, ahead of the Government taking steps to expand the reach of the civil penalty regime for illegal working.

On 19 March 2025 the Home Office arrested 36 individuals in a widely reported illegal working operation at a construction site within Belfast's Titanic Quarter. This coincided with the Home Office releasing statistics noting a 38% increase in illegal working visits and arrests under the current Government, in comparison with a similar period for the 12 months prior.