Reinforcing Right to Work Checks

One of the most crucial components of this plan is a renewed emphasis on Right to Work checks. The government is rolling out an intelligence-driven programme designed to target employers who knowingly hire workers without legal status. This step not only ensures fair labour practices but also disrupts the illegal labour market that often fuels human trafficking and exploitation. Businesses that hire illegal workers will face:

• Financial penalties
• Business closure orders
• Potential prosecution

The consequences for non-compliance are severe, underscoring the importance for employers to conduct rigorous Right to Work checks and maintain accurate records of their workers' immigration status (GOV.UK) (Wired-Gov).

Boosting Enforcement and Returns

Cooper has also introduced a surge in immigration enforcement, aiming to increase the removal of those with no legal right to stay in the UK. The Home Office has redeployed over 300 staff to handle failed asylum and deportation cases, ensuring swift enforcement. This initiative will also increase detention capacity, adding 290 beds across immigration removal centers. These actions are designed to reverse the drop in enforcement seen in recent years​(Wired-Gov).

Tackling Illegal Employment

Illegal employment undermines the integrity of the UK's labor market. Cooper's plan includes an intelligence-led strategy to detect and penalize employers who exploit workers without legal status. Businesses found to be in violation will face harsh consequences, including significant fines and potential closures. This is part of a broader effort to ensure that immigration laws are not just enforced at the border but also within the labor market (GOV.UK) (Security Matters Magazine).

The Role of the National Crime Agency

The National Crime Agency (NCA) will play a critical role in tackling criminal networks responsible for smuggling operations and illegal employment. With an additional 100 specialist officers dedicated to this mission, the NCA aims to dismantle organized crime groups exploiting vulnerable individuals for profit. These operations, coordinated with Europol and other European partners, will target smuggling operations before they reach UK shores (GOV.UK) (Wired-Gov).

What This Means for Employers

For UK employers, these measures highlight the growing importance of conducting compliant Right to Work checks. Businesses are urged to ensure they fully understand their legal obligations when hiring employees. The government’s crackdown on illegal working and increased enforcement signals that non-compliance is no longer a risk worth taking. Employers must ensure their HR teams are equipped with the right tools and knowledge to verify workers’ legal status in the UK (Wired-Gov).

A Practical Solution for Border Security and Employment Compliance

Yvette Cooper’s border security and Right to Work enforcement plan is not just about stopping illegal crossings—it’s about restoring order to the UK’s labor market and ensuring that businesses operate within the bounds of the law. By focusing on Right to Work compliance, employers can protect themselves from penalties and contribute to a fairer and more secure job market.