The Home Office reports more than 17,000 arrests for suspected illegal working since July 2024 — a 122% rise on the previous two years — and a record number of raids and detentions in recent months. Raids in the first half of this year reached 7,270, producing 4,756 arrests, while 2,357 people were returned to their home countries (up 50%). London, the West Midlands and the South West recorded the largest increases, and employers have faced about £74m in civil penalties so far this year.
Home Office: Illegal Working Arrests More Than Double Since Labour Took Office
[PA Media]
The Home Office says arrests of migrants suspected of working illegally in the UK have more than doubled since Labour formed the government in July 2024, with more than 17,000 arrests recorded in that period — a 122% rise compared with the previous two years. Officials also report a record number of immigration raids and detentions in the past six months.
Key Figures
According to the published figures:
- 17,000+ arrests for suspected illegal working since July 2024 (up 122% versus the prior two-year period).
- 7,270 immigration raids in the first half of this year, a 31% increase on the same period last year, leading to 4,756 arrests (a 20% rise).
- 2,357 people returned to their home countries since July 2024 — a 50% increase.
- Highest arrest totals were recorded in London (1,256), the West Midlands (701) and the South West (693).
- Employers in sectors such as beauty, retail and hospitality have been issued about £74 million in civil penalties so far this year.
Examples Of Recent Operations
The Home Office highlighted several recent enforcement actions:
- 30 May — A King's Road restaurant in London: 10 arrests among 13 staff encountered.
- 23 March — Visits targeting suspected illegal construction workers that led to 15 arrests.
- 11 June — Raids at delivery depots in Newbury (Berkshire) and Basingstoke (Hampshire) producing nine arrests, mainly for overstaying and suspected illegal working.
Political Reaction And Policy Moves
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the surge in enforcement as "the highest level in British history," saying:
"This surge in enforcement activity takes us to the highest level in British history. Illegal workers and rogue employers have nowhere to hide."
Opposition parties have argued that the availability of illegal work in the UK acts as a pull factor for migrants crossing the Channel. Reform UK said the figures prove the government is failing to tackle the problem and announced plans to reward members of the public whose tip-offs lead to successful prosecutions of businesses employing illegal workers. The party has also proposed fines of up to 10% of global revenues for large firms and criminal liability for senior executives.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp and Reform's home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf criticised the government, saying illegal working remains widespread and enforcement has not been sufficient in the past.
Enforcement And Penalties
The Home Office says it is increasing penalties for companies that hire people without the right to work. Employers must check the right to work for directly employed staff; agencies carry that responsibility for agency workers.
From 1 October, employers found to be hiring illegal workers in the gig economy (for example, delivery riders) could face fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker or up to five years' imprisonment in the most serious cases, under planned measures.
Note: The Home Office also indicates that arrests during business raids were rising before July 2024, so some enforcement momentum predates the current government.
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