Employers Could Face Fines of 10% of Global Revenue and Jail Terms, Even If Unaware of Workers' Immigration Status

The plan would require police and trading standards to act on credible public tips, with financial rewards for successful prosecutions funded by recovered penalties. Employers could face fines of 10% of global revenue and jail terms, even if unaware of workers' immigration status. Labour chair Bridget Phillipson dismissed it as a distraction from Nigel Farage's financial scandals, including an undeclared £5m gift from a crypto billionaire.

Yusuf accused Labour and Conservatives of 'decriminalising illegal working' and pledged tougher penalties. The policy also includes a 'Deliveroo law' requiring full British licences for business vehicles, excluding foreign lorry drivers. Deliveroo defended its right-to-work checks, while the Home Office noted 12,791 illegal working visits in 2025, up 57% from 8,122 in 2024. Critics say the plan is designed to distract the public.