It has been confirmed that the increases to civil penalties for illegal working, which had been expected to come into force on 22 January, will come into force on 13 February.
Civil penalties for employers employing workers illegally will triple. This means that the current civil penalty for an employer who employs an individual without the appropriate immigration permission in the UK will rise from £15,000 per illegal worker (for a first breach) to £45,000. The current maximum of £20,000 per illegal worker (for repeat breaches) will rise to £60,000.
This hike in penalties makes it all the more important for employers to ensure that they are conducting proper right to work checks for their employees. Provided that a proper check has been carried out the employer will then have a statutory excuse against a civil penalty if an employee is subsequently found to be illegally working in the UK.
We have a skillsbooster we can offer on right to work compliance for those who would like a refresher on carrying out the necessary checks. It also covers the obligations of employers in relation to sponsorship and visa eligibility.
