Clampdown on illegal working: immigration enforcements raids on increase

Ahead of the second reading in parliament of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, the government has released its most recent immigration enforcement figures. These show that from 5th July 2024 to 31st January 2025, 5,424 visits were made to businesses by immigration enforcement officers, resulting in 3,930 arrests for suspected illegal working. The Government also claims to have removed the highest number of migrants in any other six-month period in the past five years, showing that immigration enforcement remains firmly on the agenda for this parliament.

The figures show that in January 2025 alone, 828 immigration enforcement raids took place throughout the UK, with 609 migrant workers arrested. This represents a 73% increase in arrests when compared to figures from January 2024. The majority of the enforcement activity last month targeted businesses such as nail bars, car washes, restaurants, takeaways, cafes and vape shops, although the Government was keen to stress that its enforcement teams respond to illegal working intelligence in all sectors.

This crackdown will have had significant economic repercussions for employers, with 1,090 civil penalty notices issued in the same period. With fines of up to £60,000 per worker if found liable, receiving a civil penalty can have significant financial consequences for a business.

The future of immigration enforcement is being heavily shaped by the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. Amongst its aims, it seeks to introduce additional offences in relation to illegal migration and provides enforcement officers with new powers, despite human rights concerns. In a broad sense, Labour is looking to disrupt the criminal gangs bringing migrants across the English Channel and the subsequent exploitation of these individuals, including through illegal working.

These latest figures should act as a stark reminder to employers of the importance of carrying out Home Office compliant right to work checks prior to the commencement of employment. Doing so will offer employers protection against a civil penalty for illegal working, as well as avoiding the potential risk of reputational damage.

Furthermore, employers put at risk any sponsor licence they have, or the ability to successfully apply for a licence. Employing illegal workers can lead to the revocation of a sponsor licence. Similarly, organisations applying for a sponsor licence will have their application refused if they have an outstanding civil penalty for employing illegal workers.

There have been various changes to right to work checks in recent years. Our immigration lawyers can offer a mini-audit of your on-boarding and record keeping procedures to ensure that you are up to date with the changes and are complying with Government requirements. As part of the process, we can provide advice on areas of concern and any changes that should be implemented within your organisation to remain compliant. We can also provide bespoke guides to not only streamline the process but also ensure that those carrying out the checks have the confidence to do so. We also assist companies with challenging civil penalties for illegal working. If your organisation or someone you know needs any advice in relation to right to work checks and preventing illegal working, please get in touch.

Immigration compliance and enforcement

With immigration enforcement on the rise, we provided an overview of what you need to know, and our team of immigration experts are here to assist with any specific compliance issues you are facing.

Stay informed:

• 10 top tips for immigration compliance
• Do you know how to carry out a right-to-work check?
• Sponsor duties and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) compliance checks – what do I need to know?
• A guide to preparing for a UKVI compliance visit
• What are the immigration implications of organisational changes and corporate transactions?