Home office enforcement teams remain very active in identifying businesses suspected of employing illegal workers.
On 16 October 2014 the Home Office Immigration Enforcement Team raided Mughal Dynasty restaurant in Maidstone, Kent. The Enforcement Team arrested 6 employees for working illegally. The business was served with a notice warning that a financial penalty of up to £20,000 per illegal worker will be imposed unless the employer can demonstrate that appropriate pre-employment checks were carried out prior and during the period of employment.
On 25 November 2014 we spotted this Home Office Immigration Enforcement van parked in the Covent Garden area in Chandos Place.
There are 19 immigration compliance and enforcement teams around the country. It seems likely that a business or businesses were raided but we do not have more information at this time. It is apparent when reading or watching recent news that immigration and prevention of illegal working in the UK is currently at the forefront of the government policy and we think it likely that more raids will take place.
Right to Work checks are a fundamental part of HR policies and procedures for any business in the UK that employs local or migrant workers. Employers have a duty to prevent illegal working by carrying out document checks to confirm if a person has the right to work in the UK. Businesses employing a person who does not have the right to work in the UK are breaking the law and can be fined up to £20,000 for each illegal worker or face criminal prosecution.
Our firm can advise on what steps the business needs to take in order to be compliant or to remain compliant as well as advise on the new changes and regulations that are being introduced by the UK Government. In addition, we can provide training on implementing and complying with the illegal working regulations. We do this by working closely with the company management and focussing on the individual needs of each business and their business model.
If you would like to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kasia Janucik
