The UK’s Home Office on 30 March 2025 took a significant step to tackle illegal working practices in the UK. Companies that employ workers in the gig economy must now legally confirm those workers’ eligibility to work in the UK. This is the first time the employment check requirement will apply to gig economy and zero-hours workers in sectors like construction, food delivery, beauty salons, and courier services.
Firms that don't verify workers' eligibility can face penalties, including fines up to GBP 60,000 per worker, business closure, reputational damage, and potential prison sentences of up to five years for serious violations. A full update to the right-to-work guidance is expected.
The government's plan to strengthen the immigration system includes clamping down on illegal working and enforcing UK immigration rules. These new measures accompany increased operational action by Immigration Enforcement teams, which since July have conducted 6,784 illegal working visits and made 4,779 arrests—an increase of 40% and 42%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. In that time, 1,508 civil penalty notices have been issued.
This announcement aligns with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s earlier statement regarding the return of over 24,000 individuals in the UK who had no right to work. Immigration compliance is now a focus for the UK government, and further announcements are expected.
For more information on these changes, please consult your regular BDO contact or the author of this article.
Tom Bateman
BDO in United Kingdom
Firms that don't verify workers' eligibility can face penalties, including fines up to GBP 60,000 per worker, business closure, reputational damage, and potential prison sentences of up to five years for serious violations. A full update to the right-to-work guidance is expected.
The government's plan to strengthen the immigration system includes clamping down on illegal working and enforcing UK immigration rules. These new measures accompany increased operational action by Immigration Enforcement teams, which since July have conducted 6,784 illegal working visits and made 4,779 arrests—an increase of 40% and 42%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. In that time, 1,508 civil penalty notices have been issued.
This announcement aligns with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s earlier statement regarding the return of over 24,000 individuals in the UK who had no right to work. Immigration compliance is now a focus for the UK government, and further announcements are expected.
For more information on these changes, please consult your regular BDO contact or the author of this article.
Tom Bateman
BDO in United Kingdom