U.K. labor shortage stakes up following tripled illegal worker fines
By 
Ruth Prickett2024-02-21T15:11:00
Fines for employing people who do not have a legal right to work in the United Kingdom have risen, meaning employers who fail to carry out the required checks or neglect to re-examine the status of those on temporary work visas could face substantial penalties.
Further, since employees found to be working illegally face prison sentences, employers and recruitment agencies could also fall foul of requirements to operate without detriment to their staff.
Beginning this year, fines for companies caught employing workers illegally for the first time tripled from 15,000 pounds (U.S. $18,900) to £45,000 (U.S. $56,700) per worker. Repeat offenders can now be fined £60,000 (U.S. $75,600) per worker, instead of £20,000 (U.S. $25,000).
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