UK Employers Face Sharp Rise In 'Illegal Migrant' Fines

In the biggest shake up of civil penalties since 2014, the Home Secretary announced on 7 August 2023, that fines for employing illegal workers are to be tripled.

Employers and right to work checks

All UK employers must conduct a right to work check on every individual they intend to hire, in order to prevent illegal working. These checks must be carried out before the individual starts work, and should be completed for every job, whether full-time, part-time, permanent or temporary. There are different ways employers can carry out a compliant right to work check. The type of check will depend on a number of factors such as the individual's nationality and type of permission they hold.