Preventing Illegal Working

Recent high profile cases demonstrate the government's commitment to stamp out illegal working practices. The UK Border Agency (UKBA) employs over 1,000 Enforcement Officers and intends to inspect 5,000 organisations this year. Your business could be next.

Many businesses are falling foul of the legislation by failing to keep up to date and are following historic practices, such as only checking National Insurance numbers. Every member of staff employed since January 1997, regardless of nationality, needs to be checked for the right to work in the UK.

By checking and retaining prescribed documentation you can establish a statutory defence against civil penalties and criminal prosecution.

Strict new enforcement policies

UKBA Enforcement Officers can visit your business premises at any time, without prior notice, check that your HR systems comply with immigration legislation and demand to see the ID documents for all of your employees.

Additionally, the UKBA can request to inspect all documentation in relation to the recruitment and retention of sponsored migrants and verify that you have periodically checked this information as prescribed under immigration rules.

Financial penalties

Businesses found employing staff without the legal right to work in the UK will face strict civil penalties including fines of up to £10,000 per illegal worker and, in some cases, criminal sanctions.

Adverse publicity

If your business is found to be in breach, the UKBA will publish details of your company on their web site confirming the breach and the penalty issued.