Fines for employers of illegal workers increased by a quarter on last year

The number of fines meted out by government to companies found to be employing illegal workers has increased 24% year-on-year.
Wed, 25 Mar 2015The number of fines meted out by government to companies found to be employing illegal workers has increased 24% year-on-year.

Recruiter can reveal a Freedom of Information Act request from umbrella company Parasol found 2,262 civil penalties were issued by the Home Office to employers of illegal workers in the UK last year, up from 1,822 in 2013.

Meanwhile, the request also found the gross value of civil penalties increased by 75% in the past year to £24.65m between January and December 2014. The Home Office recouped £14.1m in 2013. The increase follows a doubling of the maximum civil penalty from £10k to £20k per illegal worker in May 2014.

Commenting on the findings, Parasol’s managing director Derek Kelly said the figures underline the growing cost to UK business of illegal working, adding the recent increase in the maximum fine is already making an impact.

“Failure to carry out the proper checks when hiring foreign nationals is a problem that persists among employers,” he added.

“More than ever, it’s vital that hirers conduct due diligence during the recruitment process.”

  • Want to comment on this story? The Comment box is at the bottom of the page. Sorry for the glitch but just scroll right down and share your opinions!

FINANCIALS: Empresaria reveals fall in profits, but Offshore Services delivers growth

Empresaria’s Offshore Services operations proved to be the shining light in the company’s fortunes in 2023, according to the global specialist staffing group’s annual results.

Financials 27 March 2024

Gi Group trains mental health first aiders to support staff wellbeing

HR and specialist recruiter Gi Group plans to train around 100 mental health first aiders (MHFAs) across the business.

27 March 2024

Recommendations for better integration to support refugees into work

The current integration of refugees system is “broken, expensive, inefficient and damaging” for both refugees and the UK, according to the chair of the Commission on the Integration of Refugees.

Legislation 26 March 2024

HMRC employment tool CEST not updated in five years

The underlying decision engine of HM Revenue & Customs’ Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) tool has not been updated in five years.

26 March 2024
Top