Posted on 15th Feb 2012 @ 11:59 AM

As of the 10th February 2012, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) will publish quarterly reports detailing the penalties given to people or organisations who hire illegal workers.

Quarterly reports will be published to show:

• the number of civil penalties issues
• the number of illegal workers found; and
• the value of the penalties broken down by geographical regions

A quarterly report will also be published to name employers who have:

• not paid or are not making regular payments for a penalty 28 days after they have exhausted their objection and/or appeal rights; or
• been served with a second or subsequent penalty once they have exhausted their objection and/or appeal rights, regardless of whether any payment has been made

Quarterly reports will consider all employers whose rights to appeal were exhausted within the period reported on.  A penalty issued within 3 years of a previous penalty or warning letter will be counted as a second or subsequent penalty.  The reports will provide a reference tool for the public, corporate partners and other stakeholders.

Employers who do not comply may be issued with a civil fine of up to £10,000 for each illegal worker.  The quarterly statistics on the number of illegal workers found and the value of civil penalties issued to employers for the period from 1 July 2011 and 30 September 2011 can be found at ww.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

It is a well known fact that there are certain industries within which a large amount of foreign workers are employed.  It is of paramount importance that each of these employees are asked to present evidence of their permission to reside and work in the UK i.e. a work permit.  Failure to ensure all of your employees are legally entitled to work in the UK can have costly implications for your business as highlighted above.

Should you require advice on any of the above please do not hesitate to contact us

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