Hundreds of rogue employers across the UK have been targeted by
the Home Office during a nationwide week-long intensive operation
into illegal working.
The Home Secretary, , announced last month that
the government would crack down on unscrupulous employers who are
hiring migrants illegally and exploiting vulnerable people,
alongside extensive work to disrupt the criminal networks who
bring the workers to the UK.
During an intensive week of action from Sunday 18 to Saturday 24
August, Immigration Enforcement teams carried out visits to rogue
businesses suspected of employing illegal workers, with a
particular focus on car washes.
Over the course of the operation, more than 225 premises have
been visited, with at least 122 receiving notices for employing
illegal workers. At least 75 illegal workers have also been
detained.
In many cases, illegal workers live in squalid conditions
on-site, earn far below the UK national minimum wage, work longer
hours than legally allowed and may have entered the UK illegally,
overstayed their visas or arrived under visitor conditions.
The fact they are paid so little also allows their employers to
undercut honest competitors who follow the law, and these
businesses often do not pay their fair share in taxes to
contribute to the economy.
This operation is part of a larger, ongoing effort to tackle
illegal employment and exploitation of vulnerable people in the
UK. More operations of this kind will be conducted in the near
future.
Unscrupulous employers are potentially liable to substantial
financial penalties. The maximum civil penalty for employing
illegal workers is £45,000 per worker for a first offence and
£60,000 per worker for repeat violations.
Immigration Enforcement teams also play a critical safeguarding
role, working closely with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse
Authority and other organisations to allow employees to report
labour exploitation.
Home Secretary, said:
“It is completely wrong that dodgy employers can work
hand-in-glove with the smuggling gangs who risk people's lives to
bring them here illegally and push them into off-the-books
employment.
“These workers are sold complete lies by the gangs before being
made to live and work in appalling conditions for a pittance. We
are determined to put a stop to this, which is exactly why we
have launched crackdowns such as this.
“While this operation marks an important step forward, our
commitment to tackling this issue is ongoing. We will ensure
those who break the rules face the full force of the law.”
Director of Enforcement, Compliance & Crime at Immigration
Enforcement, Eddy Montgomery said:
“This week's operation shows how dedicated the Home Office is to
protecting vulnerable people and holding employers accountable.
“We're dedicated to stopping exploitation by criminal gangs,
ensuring vulnerable people receive the correct support and make
sure that those who break the law face serious
consequences.
“I'm incredibly proud of our teams across the country for their
hard work and teamwork in preparing for and conducting this
national operation.”
