A recent operation by immigration officers in rural Gloucestershire led to the detention of a man and a woman at a local car wash. On January 6, 2024, eyewitnesses reported seeing several officers in “immigration enforcement” uniforms in the village of Shuthonger, located near Tewkesbury. The Home Office later confirmed that a visit to the premises was conducted as part of their enforcement activities.
The detained individuals include a Romanian woman and an Albanian man, both of whom allegedly lack the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. They have been arrested and are currently in custody pending removal from the country. Consequently, the car wash business has received a Civil Penalty Referral Notice, a formal notification indicating that the case will be reviewed and that the business may face significant financial penalties.
Consequences for Employers
According to the UK government, businesses that employ workers without the right to work and fail to perform the necessary verification checks may receive a referral notice. This notice serves to inform them that they could be liable for a civil penalty of up to £60,000 for each illegal worker. Notably, employers may avoid such penalties if they can demonstrate that they conducted the appropriate “right to work” checks prior to hiring.
A spokesperson for the Home Office emphasized the seriousness of illegal working, stating, “Illegal working undermines honest employers, undercuts local wages, and fuels organised immigration crime. This government will not stand for it.” The spokesperson also noted a significant increase in enforcement actions across the country, with a reported 63% rise in arrests related to illegal working since the government took office.
Ongoing Enforcement Efforts
The Home Office’s crackdown on illegal employment is part of a broader strategy to ensure compliance with immigration laws and protect the rights of legitimate workers. With plans to intensify these efforts in the coming year, the government aims to deter illegal employment practices further.
As the operation in Shuthonger illustrates, immigration enforcement continues to be a priority, impacting both workers and employers in the UK. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for future enforcement actions in similar businesses across the country.
