If a UK employer does not carry out a right to work check and the Home Office finds them to be employing an illegal worker, they may be required to pay a civil penalty (fine).

The UK Government recently announced its plans to introduce harsher penalties for UK businesses who employ illegal workers. The changes which will be implemented early next year are:

• For a first breach, the civil penalty will increase from £15,000 to £45,000 per illegal worker;
• In the case of repeat offenders, the civil penalty will surge from £20,000 to £60,000 per illegal worker.

This can be a very expensive mistake for an employer and may severely impact the company's ability to continue operating.

Our immigration team regularly advices UK employers on the prevention of illegal working. For UK employers who hold sponsor licences, we can assist by ensuring that they are aware of their sponsor licence duties and responsibilities and advise on procedures to ensure compliance.