Employers can minimise the risk of hiring candidates that are ineligible to work in the UK by using agencies, according to recruiters.

Yesterday, Attorney General Baroness Scotland was fined £5,000 for employing a housekeeper who was not legally allowed to work in the UK.

The UK Border Agency said Baroness Scotland had taken the necessary steps to check Tongan Loloahi Tapui’s right to work but had not retained a copy of documents, as required by law.

Luc Fountain, managing director at commercial recruiter Liberty Resourcing, told Recruiter: “It really is a silly mistake to make because everyone that wants to work brings their passport now. People are pre-programmed to have a passport to prove they are allowed to work here.

“It takes no effort to take a passport and keep a photocopy on the person’s file. It is standard procedure.”

Leah Whitley, recruitment consultant at commercial recruiter TopType Personnel, says: “We check passports, birth certificates, full driving lists, qualifications, references and CVs. There is a long list of things to check to register here. It is integral to what we do.”

John Barker, managing director at candidate verification service provider TSSI Systems, adds: “The fines are hefty and could put many companies out of business if they are caught breaking the law in the same way.

“Civil penalties are no longer just a vague threat that businesses think they’re safe from. This case proves that ignorance is no excuse and the UK Border Agency means business. Baroness Scotland’s case will do nothing but prompt immigration officers to up their game. Business owners had better make sure they have all the correct and up to date employment documents in place fast or face hefty fines which could seriously dent their profits.

“You can expect to pay up to £10,000 per staff member if you’re caught out and in today’s uncertain times, nobody can afford these penalties.

“There are tools on the market that allow anybody recruiting staff to check if they are eligible to work in the UK by verifying the authenticity of their passport, driving license or visa documents. This is a small price to pay for any company wishing to stay in business.”