Reform promises fines and jail terms for bosses over illegal workers
Jessica Coates, Press Association
Reform UK says it will fine firms 10 per cent of their global revenues and jail bosses who employ illegal migrant workers.
Under the plans announced on Wednesday, employers would be held responsible even if they were unaware of the worker’s immigration status.
Reform’s home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf said in a statement to the Daily Express: “Under a Reform government, Britain will have the harshest penalties in the world for employing illegal migrants.
“Bosses of companies employing illegal migrants will be sent to prison, and their companies fined 10% of their global revenues.
“There are companies whose entire business model is based on profiting from illegal working.”
Under current legislation, businesses employing someone who does not have the right to work without carrying out the correct checks face fines of up to £60,000 for each illegal worker.
Reform’s announcement comes after a Government crackdown on illegal working in the delivery sector.
The Home Office announced in July it had arrested 10 Evri workers who were on immigration bail, subject to strict conditions, while further inquiries took place.
Figures published in January showed visits and arrests linked to illegal working had reached their highest levels since current records began in 2019.
Some 12,791 visits took place in 2025, up 57% from 8,122 in the previous year, to businesses including nail bars, car washes, barbers and takeaway shops.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “Illegal working undermines honest business, exploits vulnerable individuals and fuels organised immigration crime.
“We are already closing the loopholes that allow illegal migrants to work in the UK by extending right to work checks to the gig economy and delivery sector.
“Employers who break the law face severe consequences, including fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker, business closures, licence revocations and prison sentences of up to five years.”
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What happens when this is weaponised, and it will be, against people who are legally entitled to work and live in this country? Including those who were born here but seem a bit too “dark” for Zia Yusuf’s liking (all that money but not a single mirror in his home?)
Press forgetting all the financial issues. Reform have not so they get this to the top of the news. See what they are doing?
How are the payments via Cotrells mother going in the press?