Jail threat to bosses employing illegal workers

Wednesday, 27 February 2008

Bosses turning a blind eye to immigrant worker in their organisations could find themselves behind bars when tough new employment law is introduced tomorrow (FRI). Employment law experts at MHL Support have said that company directors could face a two-year jail term under new criminal sanctions introduced as part of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. The changes are being introduced as part of the Government’s plan to crack down on illegal workers. They will see immigration officers given the power to issue parking ticket-style notices for certain offences, and as well as facing a spell behind bars, bosses may face unlimited fines for each illegal worker. On top of this, a new civil offence will be created carrying penalties of up to £10,000 for every breach. Marc Schroder, CEO of MHL Support, the UK’s fastest growing Employment Law and Health & Safety specialists, said that the changes affected every company director. “The 2006 Act is about to be given rigorous reinforcement. The new legislation will not only see more thorough document checks and annual checks for immigrant employees, but also creates an offence of ‘knowingly employing an illegal worker’. “The penalties are far more severe – the maximum penalty of a £5,000 fine will give way to unlimited fines and prison sentences, and that is something that every Director will sit up and take notice of. They can’t pretend they didn’t know what was going on,” he said. “The Government is giving illegal working a huge push, and employers across the UK would be well-advised to pay heed or pay the price,” added Mr Schroder.