Employers Face Severe Penalties for Employing Illegal Migrants

Increased Fines for Employers 

Fines will more than triple for employers who knowingly hire people who do not have the right to work in the UK.

The changes will also mean landlords will face significant penalties for renting properties to illegal migrants.

From the start of 2024, employers will see fines for a first breach increase from £15,000 to £45,000, while repeated breaches will attract a penalty of £60,000 compared to the previous £20,000.

Increased Penalties for Landlords Failing to Conduct Checks

Landlords should be aware of the increase in fines if they fail to correctly check the immigration status of their tenants. The changes mean a rise from £80 per lodger and £1,000 per occupier to £5,000 per lodger and £10,000 per occupier for a first breach.

If found guilty of ongoing breaches, then property owners could be forced to pay £10,000 per lodger and £20,000 per occupier, significantly higher than the current levels of £500 and £3,000.

Employers have “no excuse”

Minister for Immigration, Robert Jenrick, explained that anyone employing overseas workers must ensure they are following all the legal requirements.

He added: “There is no excuse for not conducting the appropriate checks and those in breach will now face significantly tougher penalties.”

All employers must ensure prospective employees have the right to work in the UK before they commence work. These checks must be conducted for all workers, regardless of their country of origin.