Full Breakdown
Surge in Illegal-Worker Arrests and Reform UK’s Hardline Proposals
8/7/2026, 8:26:27 PM
Core Event: Record Immigration Raids and Arrests Since Labour Took Power
Since the Labour government assumed office in July 2024, the Home Office reports more than 17,000 arrests for immigration offences – a 122 % rise over the previous two-year period. In the first six months of the current year, immigration raids rose 31 % to 7,270, producing 4,756 arrests, a 20 % increase. The highest arrest numbers were recorded in London, the West Midlands and the South West, with London alone seeing 1,256 arrests – up 32 % on the same period in 2025.
Background & Context
Labour’s election win in July 2024 was followed by a boost in resources for Immigration Enforcement. The Home Office has already increased civil penalties on employers, totalling £74 million this year, and extended the legal duty to verify workers’ right-to-work to self-employed contractors in the gig economy. From 1 October, firms that hire illegal workers in the gig sector face fines of up to £60,000 per unauthorised employee and possible imprisonment of up to five years.
Data & Statistics
- Arrests: > 17,000 since July 2024 (122 % rise).
- Raids (first half of the year): 7,270 (31 % increase).
- Arrests from raids: 4,756 (20 % increase).
- Deportations: 2,357 people returned to their home countries – a 50 % rise.
- Regional spikes: London 1,256 arrests (+32 %); West Midlands 701 arrests (+22 %); South West 693 arrests (+44 %).
- Sector penalties: £74 million in civil fines, mainly affecting beauty, retail and hospitality businesses.
- Specific incidents: On 30 May, ten individuals were arrested at a King’s Road restaurant after immigration officers encountered 13 staff members; on 23 March, raids targeting illegal construction workers led to 15 arrests; on 11 June, two delivery depots in Berkshire and Hampshire were raided, resulting in nine arrests.
Official Statements & Responses
Yusuf also said Reform would make chief executives and directors personally and criminally liable, proposing fines of up to 10 % of a company’s global revenue.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This surge in enforcement activity takes us to the highest level in British history. Illegal workers and rogue employers have nowhere to hide.” — Reform UK — Reform UK
- “Illegal working should absolutely be addressed, and that's why we've led the industry in cracking down on the sophisticated, organised criminals who attempt to abuse our platform.” — Deliveroo, spokesperson — Deliveroo, spokesperson
What’s Next
From 1 October, employers in the gig economy will face fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker and possible five-year prison terms. Reform UK says it would codify a “Deliveroo law” that imposes personal criminal liability on company directors regardless of knowledge of breaches. The Home Office has indicated plans to double the Immigration Enforcement budget by 2029, which could further increase the frequency of raids and prosecutions.
