The government of the United Kingdom has announced tougher enforcement measures targeting illegal working, as authorities move to strengthen immigration compliance across key sectors of the economy.
The policy was disclosed in a statement by the UK Home Office on its official X page, amid growing pressure to curb unauthorised employment and tighten border-related controls.
The Home Office said the UK will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to illegal working, backed by expanded right-to-work checks, workplace inspections, and stricter verification requirements for employers.
Officials stated that companies will now bear greater responsibility for confirming the legal status of employees before hiring, warning that businesses found in breach of immigration rules could face unlimited fines.
Authorities also confirmed plans to increase enforcement operations, including on-site inspections and workplace raids aimed at identifying and removing individuals working without authorisation.
According to the Home Office, enforcement activity reached record levels in 2025, with 12,791 illegal working visits and 8,971 arrests recorded, the highest annual figure to date.
The agency added that more than 1,000 civil penalty notices were issued to employers, while fines could reach up to £60,000 per illegal worker in serious cases.
Data further showed sharp increases in inspections across sectors such as restaurants, car washes, and convenience stores, with arrests rising significantly year-on-year, reflecting intensified enforcement efforts.
Between July 2024 and December 2025, authorities carried out over 17,483 inspections and made more than 12,322 arrests, while also removing over 1,700 individuals from the country.
Officials say the measures are part of a broader strategy to deter illegal employment and ensure stricter compliance across the UK labour market.
