Menu
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)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 November 2015
Call For Employers To Stop 'Creaming Off' Restaurant Workers Tips
Restaurant workers need 'decisive government action' to stop employers creaming off their tips, Unite the union has said in response to the government's investigation into abuse of tipping.
Call For Employers To Stop 'Creaming Off' Restaurant Workers Tips
Restaurant workers need 'decisive government action' to stop employers creaming off their tips, Unite the union has said in response to the government's investigation into abuse of tipping.
12 January 2012
Cautious Welcome For Agency Workers' Bill
Speaking in the Dáil on the Protection of Employees (Agency Workers) Bill, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on jobs and enterprise, said that it was "a step in the right direction in safeguarding the rights of workers", but warned against targeting low-paid workers in an attempt to maintain competitiveness.
Cautious Welcome For Agency Workers' Bill
Speaking in the Dáil on the Protection of Employees (Agency Workers) Bill, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on jobs and enterprise, said that it was "a step in the right direction in safeguarding the rights of workers", but warned against targeting low-paid workers in an attempt to maintain competitiveness.
10 May 2006
TUC Calls For Co-ordination To Prevent Migrant Worker Exploitation
A national strategy for dealing with migrant workers would lead to a greater degree of co-ordination between regional employment, health, education and housing services and would make it more difficult for rogue employers to exploit vulnerable workers, the TUC and the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) have said.
TUC Calls For Co-ordination To Prevent Migrant Worker Exploitation
A national strategy for dealing with migrant workers would lead to a greater degree of co-ordination between regional employment, health, education and housing services and would make it more difficult for rogue employers to exploit vulnerable workers, the TUC and the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) have said.
09 June 2004
Employers urged to help British workers stay healthy
Employers who provide vending machines stocked with junk food and fail to encourage their employees to take exercise could be contributing to increasing levels of obesity and absenteeism in the UK, warns leading income protector, UnumProvident.
Employers urged to help British workers stay healthy
Employers who provide vending machines stocked with junk food and fail to encourage their employees to take exercise could be contributing to increasing levels of obesity and absenteeism in the UK, warns leading income protector, UnumProvident.
16 September 2011
Guidance Brings Clarity On National Minimum Wage
Invest Northern Ireland's nibusinessinfo.co.uk website has issued revised guidance to clarify the rights of workers to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW). The updated guidance – available on www.nibusinessinfo.co.
Guidance Brings Clarity On National Minimum Wage
Invest Northern Ireland's nibusinessinfo.co.uk website has issued revised guidance to clarify the rights of workers to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW). The updated guidance – available on www.nibusinessinfo.co.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
