The Immigration Act 2016 – Action Required

The Government's control over illegal migration will be further strengthened this week when the Immigration Act 2016 comes into force. The Act (passed before June's referendum) introduces a range of new powers which aim to tackle illegal employment, restrict banking and accommodation services to illegal migrants and increase the number of deportations from the UK.

Employers should be aware of the following changes which will be implemented from 12 July 2016:

• It will be an offence to employ a person whom an employer 'knows' or 'has reasonable cause to believe' is disqualified from employment'.
• The maximum custodial sentence for conviction of this offence will be 5 years' imprisonment.