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Reform UK has announced a series of proposals aimed at tackling illegal working in Britain, including major fines for companies and personal penalties for business leaders whose firms employ illegal migrant workers.
The party's home affairs spokesperson, Zia Yusuf, revealed the plans during a policy announcement focused on illegal employment and immigration enforcement.
Under the proposals, chief executives and company directors could be held personally responsible if their businesses are found to be employing illegal workers, even if they were unaware of the individual's immigration status.
Reform UK also wants to introduce fines worth up to 10% of a company's annual global turnover if it is caught using illegal migrant labour. The party says money collected through these fines would be used to support victims of migrant-related crime and help regenerate high streets.
Another proposal would create a public reporting system, described by the party as a "barbers tip line." The scheme would allow members of the public to report suspected illegal workers in businesses such as barbershops and other high street premises. Individuals whose reports lead to successful enforcement action could receive a share of any financial penalties imposed.
Zia Yusuf said Reform UK would introduce some of the toughest penalties in the world for illegal working if the party enters government.
The proposals come as immigration remains a key political issue across the UK, particularly following recent debates over small boat crossings and border security.
The Home Office said the government has already taken action to tackle illegal employment by expanding right-to-work checks into the gig economy and delivery sectors. Officials noted that employers found breaking the law can already face fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker, business closures, licence revocations and prison sentences of up to five years.
According to the Home Office, immigration enforcement activity has increased significantly since July 2024, with illegal working arrests rising by 83% and workplace raids increasing by 77%.
However, critics may question how Reform UK's proposals would affect businesses and whether additional compliance requirements could create extra costs for employers.
The party has not yet provided detailed information on how the proposed measures would be funded or how businesses would be expected to implement additional worker verification procedures.
The announcement is part of Reform UK's broader effort to strengthen immigration enforcement and address concerns about illegal migration across the country.
