Full Breakdown
Reform UK Calls for Tougher Corporate Penalties on Illegal Working
8/6/2026, 10:19:30 AM
Reform UK's Proposed Corporate Penalties for Illegal Working
Reform UK announced a platform that would make chief executives and directors of large firms personally and criminally liable for employing illegal migrants, regardless of their knowledge of workers’ status. The party said it would imprison such bosses and fine larger companies up to 10 % of their global revenues. It also proposes a public phone line for reporting suspected illegal working, with rewards for successful prosecutions derived from any fines imposed. The aim, according to Home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf, is to stop delivery and gig-economy firms profiting from illegal workers “without consequences”.
Home Office Position and Existing Enforcement
A Home Office spokesperson emphasized that many of Reform’s proposals are already being pursued. The department is extending right-to-work checks to the gig economy and delivery sector and imposes fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker, alongside business closures, licence revocations and prison sentences of up to five years. Since Labour assumed power, Immigration Enforcement actions have risen sharply, with illegal-working arrests up 83 % and raids up 77 %. A source within the department described Reform’s plan as “empty posturing”, noting that the government is already addressing the loopholes.
Potential Economic and Legal Impact
If enacted, the 10 % global-revenue fine could represent a substantial financial burden for multinational corporations, while personal criminal liability would mark a significant shift from existing corporate-only penalties. The proposed reporting line and reward scheme aim to involve the public in enforcement, potentially increasing detection rates but also raising concerns about false accusations. Reform likens its approach to the Financial Conduct Authority’s rules that hold senior managers accountable for financial misconduct.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are already closing the loopholes that allow illegal migrants to work in the UK by extending right to work checks to the gig economy and delivery sector.” — spokesperson for the department
