The Party Said Its Aim Was to Stop Delivery and Gig Economy Companies Profiting From Illegal Workers Without Consequences

Reform UK has pledged to imprison bosses of companies employing illegal migrants and to fine larger firms 10 per cent of their global revenues. The party said its aim was to stop delivery and gig economy companies profiting from illegal workers "without consequences". Home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf said "young British people are being shut out of entry level jobs and our whole economy is being undermined".

Reform said that if it won the next general election, it would pass a law making chief executives and directors of large companies profiting from illegal workers personally and criminally liable, regardless of their knowledge of workers' legal status. The party would also introduce a phone line for the public to report suspected illegal working or organised criminal activity, which police and other authorities would be required to follow up. Reports resulting in successful prosecutions would be rewarded with a share of any fines generated.

Yusuf said the party "would introduce the toughest penalties anywhere in the world for illegal working". The Home Office said it was already increasing penalties for companies hiring illegal workers, with fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker, business closures, licence revocations and prison sentences of up to five years. A source within the department called some of Reform's proposals "empty posturing".

They added that since Labour came to power, Immigration Enforcement action has increased "to the highest level in British history, with illegal working arrests up by 83% and raids up by 77%". One council was fined £45,000 for employing one illegal worker in June.