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The UK government has significantly escalated efforts to combat illegal working across England since the summer, targeting rogue employers and disrupting exploitative practices.

Immigration Enforcement officers have been deployed nationwide to crack down on employers who hire illegal workers and exploit vulnerable individuals. These efforts also aim to undermine the false promises of employment used by criminal smuggling gangs to entice migrants into dangerous Channel crossings.

The focus has primarily been on sectors such as car washes, nail bars, supermarkets, and construction sites. These industries have been flagged for suspected practices of hiring illegal workers, subjecting them to deplorable conditions, illegal working hours, and wages below the minimum standard.

Border security remains a cornerstone of the government’s "Plan for Change." Since taking office, ministers have redeployed an additional 1,000 staff into Immigration Enforcement roles. This initiative not only addresses illegal working but also plays a crucial role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. Immigration Enforcement collaborates closely with organizations like the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority to empower workers to report exploitation.

The government has also introduced biometric fingerprinting kits on the frontline. These kits allow officers to verify the identities of apprehended individuals against police databases immediately, reducing the need for transport to police stations.

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle MP, stated:

“Dismantling criminal gangs and restoring order to our asylum system is a key part of our Plan for Change.

That’s exactly why we are clamping down on illegal working to prevent this abuse of our immigration system and safeguard those who are sold a false promise about their ability to live and work here.

Since the election, arrests and enforcement visits have deliberately increased, demonstrating that we will not tolerate any hiding place from law enforcement”.

Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime at Immigration Enforcement Eddy Montgomery said:

“This activity demonstrates our laser focus on holding employers to account and safeguarding those who are made to work in squalid conditions.

I am proud of the teams across the country, for their hard work in accelerating this activity in recent months to prevent exploitation and ensure those who break the law face consequences”.

London

Nearly 1,000 enforcement visits have been carried out across the capital since the summer, thanks to a crackdown on illegal working by the Home Office’s Immigration Enforcement team.

Between July and November, 996 visits resulted in 770 arrests and 462 premises receiving civil penalty notice referrals. This means the employers could face a fine of up to £60,000 per worker if found guilty.

During one recent visit to a hotel in Kensington, 6 agency staff were arrested, with 5 on suspicion of illegal working and one identified as having overstayed their visa.

This surge in activity led to almost 100 extra visits compared to January to July under the previous government. Photo by Steve Cadman, Wikimedia commons.