What you need to know about illegal working and the civil penalty system
On 16 May 2014, a number of significant changes to the UK’s prevention of illegal working requirements and associated civil penalty scheme took force.
On 16 May 2014, a number of significant changes to the UK’s prevention of illegal working requirements and associated civil penalty scheme took force.
In 2008, the government introduced a system of civil penalties for employers who employ illegal migrant workers. The legislation was designed to encourage employers to prevent illegal working without criminalising those who make honest mistakes in operating their recruitment and employment practices.
Employers’ duty to prevent illegal working is underpinned by a civil penalty regime which is now being reviewed with a raft of Government proposals aimed at strengthening and simplifying the system.
Lawyer Natasha Chell says that the government must maintain a flexible labour market.