UK to increase fines for illegal work

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Home Office recently announced it will substantially increase fines for employers and landlords who employ or rent to illegal migrants beginning Jan. 1, 2024.

Key Points:

• Civil penalties for employers will triple, going from £15,000 to £45,000 per illegal worker for a first offense, and from £20,000 to £60,000 for repeat offenses.
• Landlords will face a much greater increase in fines, going from £80 to £5,000 per lodger and from £1,000 to £10,000 per occupier on first offense, with amounts doubling on repeat offenses.

Additional Information: The Home Office encouraged all employers and landlords to verify the eligibility of anyone they employ or to whom they rent property. The U.K. immigration minister said the increased fines are intended to deter migrants from illegally crossing the English Channel by small boats.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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