The government has reported a significant increase in arrests related to illegal working over the past two years. Home Office data released on Friday reveals that 17,000 individuals have been arrested since July 2024, marking a 122% surge compared to the preceding two years. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that individuals engaging in unauthorized work in the UK and employers violating the law will face intensified enforcement measures.
A recent crackdown led to a 50% rise in the deportation of individuals arrested for illegal working, with 2,357 individuals sent back to their home countries since the general election. The enforcement efforts included over 900 visits by Immigration Enforcement, resulting in 269 arrests, including 57 individuals associated with small boat arrivals.
Shabana Mahmood highlighted the government’s enhanced resources allocated to Immigration Enforcement to combat illegal working, reaching unprecedented levels of enforcement activities in British history. Meanwhile, Reform’s Zia Yusuf faced criticism for proposing a ‘Deliveroo law’ targeting illegal working, which was deemed redundant as existing laws already impose penalties on such actions.
Plans to scrutinize the ‘gig economy,’ particularly the delivery sector, have been outlined by Mahmood, with upcoming regulations requiring companies like Deliveroo to verify the eligibility of all their workers in the UK. Failure to comply may lead to fines of up to £60,000 per person, director disqualifications, and potential prison sentences of up to five years. Additionally, the Home Secretary announced a doubling of the Immigration Enforcement budget by 2029, accompanied by a 60% staff increase.
Reform’s attention-seeking migration announcements have been criticized, with accusations of diverting focus from significant issues. The proposal to involve the Royal Navy in intercepting and returning individuals on small boats was swiftly dismissed by the French government as a violation of sovereignty.
Furthermore, Zia Yusuf’s pledge to establish a reporting line for illegal working or gang activity, featuring potential cash rewards, was met with skepticism. Labour chairwoman Bridget Phillipson underscored the ongoing efforts by the current government to address illegal working, noting the surge in enforcement activities since July 2024.
Nigel Farage’s involvement in a by-election in Clacton amid a Parliamentary standards probe regarding undeclared funds has raised concerns about party funding sources. The ongoing scrutiny surrounding Farage and Reform’s actions continues to attract attention in the political landscape.