Illegal working arrests have surged over the past two years, as revealed by the government. The Home Office disclosed that the number of arrests since July 2024 has soared to 17,000, marking a substantial 122% increase from the previous period. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that individuals engaging in unauthorized work in the UK and employers operating unlawfully are now under intense scrutiny with no room for evasion.
In a recent development, Reform’s Zia Yusuf faced criticism for proposing a ‘Deliveroo law’ to combat illegal working, which was dismissed as redundant given the existing legal framework. The latest data indicates a 50% uptick in deportations following arrests for illegal working, with 2,357 individuals repatriated since the general election. The intensified crackdown also led to 269 arrests, including 57 individuals associated with small boat arrivals, during a week-long enforcement operation by Immigration Enforcement.
According to Ms. Mahmood, the government has bolstered resources for Immigration Enforcement to tackle illegal working effectively, reaching unprecedented levels of enforcement activity in British history. Meanwhile, Reform’s Mr. Yusuf vowed to hold employers accountable for hiring unauthorized workers, although current legislation already enforces penalties for such actions.
Furthermore, plans are underway to tighten regulations on the ‘gig economy’, including the delivery sector, with mandatory eligibility checks for all workers beginning in October. Failure to comply could result in significant fines, director disqualifications, and potential prison sentences. The Home Secretary also announced a substantial budget increase for Immigration Enforcement by 2029, along with a substantial boost in staffing levels.
In response to Reform’s migration-related announcements, accusations have surfaced regarding attention-seeking tactics. The proposal by Nigel Farage and Mr. Yusuf to utilize the Royal Navy for intercepting and returning individuals on small boats was swiftly dismissed by the French government as a violation of sovereignty.
Additionally, Mr. Yusuf proposed establishing a “tip line” for reporting illegal working or criminal activities in local communities, offering incentives for information. He highlighted Reform’s commitment to imposing stringent penalties on employers of illegal migrants, including imprisonment and hefty fines. Deliveroo reiterated its dedication to combating illegal activities on its platform through rigorous checks and advanced fraud-detection technologies.
Labour chairwoman Bridget Phillipson criticized Reform’s efforts as a diversion from ongoing scandals involving Nigel Farage and his party. She underscored the government’s robust enforcement actions against illegal working, citing significant increases in arrests and raids since July 2024.
Nigel Farage is currently contesting a by-election in Clacton amidst a Parliamentary standards investigation into an undeclared £5 million donation. Moreover, the Metropolitan Police is probing donations to the party amid concerns over the funding’s original sources.