A joint operation by immigration officers at a car wash in the village of Shuthonger, near Tewkesbury, resulted in the detention of a Romanian woman and an Albanian man on January 6, 2024. Both individuals were reportedly found to be working without the legal right to do so in the United Kingdom.
Witnesses described seeing several officers wearing “immigration enforcement” uniforms at the scene. The Home Office confirmed the operation, indicating that it was part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal working across the country.
Consequences for Employers
The car wash where the arrests took place has now been issued a Civil Penalty Referral Notice. This notice serves as a warning to employers that they may face substantial financial penalties for employing individuals who do not have the necessary legal right to work. According to government guidelines, businesses can incur a civil penalty of up to £60,000 for each illegal worker if they fail to conduct proper right-to-work checks.
The Home Office emphasizes that employers can avoid these penalties by demonstrating that they have made the appropriate checks before hiring staff.
A spokesperson for the Home Office stated, “Illegal working undermines honest employers, undercuts local wages and fuels organised immigration crime. This government will not stand for it.” The spokesperson highlighted a significant increase in enforcement actions, noting a 63% increase in illegal working arrests since the government took office.
Ongoing Efforts Against Illegal Working
This operation in Shuthonger is part of a broader initiative by the UK government to enhance compliance with immigration laws. The Home Office has indicated that it plans to intensify enforcement actions in the coming year, aiming to address illegal employment more rigorously.
The approach reflects a commitment to ensuring that businesses adhere to legal hiring practices, thereby protecting the rights of legitimate workers and maintaining fair competition in the labour market.
As the government continues to crack down on illegal employment, the situation in Gloucestershire serves as a reminder to both employers and workers about the importance of complying with immigration regulations.
