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16/03/2004
Blunkett welcomes clampdown on employers using illegal immigrants
The Home Secretary David Blunkett has welcomed changes to the law that will make it easier to prosecute companies that employ illegal workers.
The new guidance for employers has been designed to clarify which documents they need to see as proof people are entitled to work in the UK. The government is also considering increasing the penalty for employing illegal workers, which currently stands at a maximum of £5,000 per employee.
The new regulations come into force on 1 May as part of a cross-government drive to tackle illegal working. This includes stronger border controls, more enforcement activity and action against the organised criminal networks that bring illegal workers to the UK.
The Home Secretary said that illegal working was a "modern day slave trade" that exploits vulnerable people, undermines fair business competition and the minimum wage, deprives the economy of tax and National Insurance contributions and encourages illegal immigration.
But the government has also called on employers to help the tackle issue, and ensure they stay within the law.
"Employers have a duty to make proper checks on employees. This change will help legitimate business keep on the right side of the law, and make it easier to prosecute those who think they can get away with employing illegal workers," said Mr Blunkett.
"Companies need to continue to play their part, and make proper checks on workers. In the longer term I believe that ID cards will make it possible to implement a more robust process and ensure that employers comply with the law."
He also said the UK needs and welcomes legitimate foreign workers who will work hard, and the government has expanded opportunities for people to work legally to help fill more than half a million vacancies in the labour market.
(gmcg)
The new guidance for employers has been designed to clarify which documents they need to see as proof people are entitled to work in the UK. The government is also considering increasing the penalty for employing illegal workers, which currently stands at a maximum of £5,000 per employee.
The new regulations come into force on 1 May as part of a cross-government drive to tackle illegal working. This includes stronger border controls, more enforcement activity and action against the organised criminal networks that bring illegal workers to the UK.
The Home Secretary said that illegal working was a "modern day slave trade" that exploits vulnerable people, undermines fair business competition and the minimum wage, deprives the economy of tax and National Insurance contributions and encourages illegal immigration.
But the government has also called on employers to help the tackle issue, and ensure they stay within the law.
"Employers have a duty to make proper checks on employees. This change will help legitimate business keep on the right side of the law, and make it easier to prosecute those who think they can get away with employing illegal workers," said Mr Blunkett.
"Companies need to continue to play their part, and make proper checks on workers. In the longer term I believe that ID cards will make it possible to implement a more robust process and ensure that employers comply with the law."
He also said the UK needs and welcomes legitimate foreign workers who will work hard, and the government has expanded opportunities for people to work legally to help fill more than half a million vacancies in the labour market.
(gmcg)
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